When he isn’t expanding his empire and taking pictures with sleeping employees (how funny is that top pic), Sir Richard Branson is saving one of our most precious icons.
The entrepreneur has joined forces with Greening Australia and Virgin Australia to launch a new initiative called ‘Reef Aid’ that aims to reduce soil erosion and restore water quality on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).
Step one of the partnership is raising around $10 million for the projected $100 million restoration project. This will be done through a Greening Australia organised public appeal. The Australian Government Reef Trust will match private contributions dollar for dollar up to $2 million.
Branson joined by the Chairman of Greening Australia, Gordon Davis, has started urging Australians to get behind the reef and donate.
The partnership will also see Virgin Australia mark World Oceans Day by fundraising at its major ports and raise awareness of the issues through on-board announcements on flights over the GBR.
Virgin will also provide flights to help scientists, field experts and volunteers working on Reef Aid; host and educate international media; provide ongoing coverage through its in-flight magazine and app; and offer ‘hands’ on support.
According to Davis, the agreement will go a long way in reversing over 150 years of damage, which has resulted in deep eroding gullies – some over 10 meters deep – in the Great Barrier Reef catchments.
“The restoration work will involve reshaping and re-vegetating gullies to stop the sediment at the source, as well as rebuilding coastal wetlands that act as kidneys, filtering out sediment before it reaches the Reef.”
Gordon Davis, Greening Australia Chairman
“With roughly 10 thousand hectares to be repaired, it’s a huge job that will take many years.
“Virgin Australia, together with the Australian Government and others, have thrown their weight behind the effort and now we need the rest of Australia to help out.”
Branson said he and Virgin are passionate about doing what they can to help “save one of the most complex and beautiful natural systems on earth”.
“Virgin Australia’s partnership with Greening Australia will make a real difference at halting soil erosion onto the Reef and improving water quality, but we also need your help.”
Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Founder
Click here to donate or learn more.
