QUARTERLY MAGAZINE August 2024 Vol 16
QUARTERLY MAGAZINE August 2024 Vol 16
Corporate report
The RPG Foundation (RPGF), the CSR arm of the Group, has initiated a marine conservation initiative under its new project, nature:re. Through nature:re, RPGF is taking small steps to rebalance our planet and reconnect with nature. Under nature:re ocean, the Foundation aims to enhance marine biodiversity and support the livelihood of coastal communities.
Across the globe, there are efforts taken to build climate-resilient artificial reefs that are like underwater homes for marine life. Countries like Indonesia, Australia, the United States, Japan, India and Venezuela, to name a few, are spearheading successful reef projects to combat climate change. They help bring back marine animals to areas where their habitats have been damaged. These reefs also protect coastlines from big waves and storms, preventing erosion. People love visiting these reefs for activities like snorkeling and diving, which brings in tourists and helps local economies.
Rolling into action, the Foundation has installed 227 artificial reefs in the ocean near Worli in Mumbai. Reefs provide a win-win solution that serves the environment by creating carbon sinks and by increasing biomass, which provides more fishing opportunities to coastal communities.
An artificial reef is a concrete structure made from cement and steel. When immersed, it initiates the formation of bacterial biofilm, which covers the surface of the artificial reef modules. Over time, it will be covered by micro and macro algae. It also becomes a sanctuary for small and large-sized native fish species. This transformation is visible within 3-6 months.
Over the years, fisher folk in the city have been experiencing a drop in their income due to the declining fish population caused by pollution from sewage and plastic waste being dumped into the oceans. Artificial reefs remove pollutants from water, providing a natural filtration process. As the reefs mature, they transform into carbon sinks; they increase the sea surface area (about 50-60 sq ft per module), which results in more productivity and biodiversity. This ability to capture carbon from the air would be a potential solution for the deteriorating air quality of the city.
RPG Foundation has commissioned Kuddle Life Foundation, a marine conservation NGO, for scientific assessments and timely evaluation. The aim is to extend its success to other areas in Mumbai and beyond.
Such projects reflect the RPG Foundation and RPG Group’s commitment to addressing environmental and social issues responsibly. As RPGF launches this initiative, it renews its dedication to creating a better future for marine life and coastal communities.
Radha Goenka, Director, RPG Foundation, shares, “The artificial reefs are a win-win solution that will not only help provide more fishing opportunities to coastal communities but will also serve the environment by creating carbon sinks. As the reefs mature, they will act as carbon sinks as their ability to capture carbon from the air would be a potential solution for the deteriorating air quality of the city.
