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The CMA CGM Group and Endangered Species International extended until November 2025 their collaboration to protect and restore coral ecosystems spanning 6,000 square kilometers in Malaysia and the Philippines
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The collaboration focuses on three protected sites within the Coral Triangle
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It involves activities such as coral health assessments, intervention against destructive fishing, and coral gardening, contributing to an increase in live coral coverage to 50% from 37% since 2021, with a targeted expansion to 65% by the end of 2025
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The partnership addresses environmental threats and engages local communities and children, emphasizing the vital role of coral protection for sustainable livelihoods and marine ecosystems
The CMA CGM Group and Endangered Species International (ESI) have extended until November 2025 their collaboration to preserve and rehabilitate coral habitats spanning approximately 6,000 square kilometers in Malaysia and the Philippines.
The partnership was initiated in July 2021 and focuses on three protected sites within the Coral Triangle, an area facing significant threats from illegal fishing, pollution, and coastal development, CMA CGM said in a statement.
Encompassing sites between Balabac Island and Pulau Banggi, Negros in Central Philippines, and Sarangani Bay in Mindanao, the initiative prioritizes activities such as coral health assessments, intervention against destructive fishing practices, coral gardening, removal of invasive species and plastics, and engaging 5,000 children and coastal communities annually in reef and mangrove conservation efforts.
Live coral coverage has increased from 37% to 50% since 2021, with a targeted expansion to 65% by the end of 2025.
Active coral gardening, involving the transplantation of 710 coral fragments, has restored 2.5 hectares of coral reef cover, while 22 recovered coral species—including 15 listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List—contribute to a thriving ecosystem.
The protected sites now boast 155 fish species, up from 137 in the last two years, with sightings of endangered marine species such as green sea turtles, whale sharks, three-spot seahorses, reef manta rays, and dugongs becoming more frequent.
In addition to halting seven destructive fishing attempts through community mobilization, the renewed partnership emphasizes coral and mangrove awareness sessions for at least 5,000 children annually in coastal communities.
Laurent Olmeta, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific Ltd., expressed optimism about advancing shared goals for sustainable coral reef ecosystems, while Pierre Fidenci, ESI president, highlighted the critical importance of protecting and restoring coral reefs for the future of human societies.
