Conservation organisation Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef (Citizens) has announced the next stage of its ground-breaking Great Reef Census project, which mobilised citizen scientists to survey as much of the Reef as possible in late 2020. The Great Reef Census is designed to fill critical gaps in our knowledge of the over 3,000 individual reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef, helping to support research and conservation on Australia's greatest natural wonder.
In 2021, Australian-owned Scotch Whisky Pure Scot aims to raise $100,000 to support the conservation organisation to map a further 100 reefs as a part of its ongoing commitment to championing environmental initiatives close to home.
Following the recent launch of its recyclable premium canned cocktails, Pure Scot discovered the benefits of the country’s various container recycling schemes to not only to reduce waste, but to incentivise Australians in becoming environmental activists.
As part of the $100k for 100 Reefs campaign, Australians in QLD, NSW and WA will be able to donate their 10-cent return on any eligible container directly to Citizens, and furthermore, Pure Scot will match it by donating 10 cents from every one of its canned cocktails sold around the world until June.
On a recent dive to the Great Barrier Reef with the team from Citizens, Australian surf legend and Pure Scot environmental ambassador, Dave "Rasta" Rastovich had a chance to witness firsthand the impact global warming and rising sea temperatures continues to have on one of the world's most ecologically diverse natural wonders.
"An organisation like Citizens continues to lead the way in working to help this unique and irreplaceable bionetwork survive and thrive; not only by taking an intricate look at the health and state of the Reef but also by providing an access point for every Australian to participate in a community-lead effort to better know and protect it," remarked Rastovich.
CEO of Citizens, Andy Ridley further explained that “through projects like the Great Reef Census, we’re building a 21st century conservation organisation that harnesses the power of passionate, everyday citizens who want to help. Supporting this Pure Scot fundraiser is an easy way for everyone to take action –and we’re going to need everyone to get involved as we tackle the huge challenges facing our oceans.”
For Australian states without participating recycling schemes in place, please visit Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef's kick starter campaign to donate directly to the $100k for 100 Reefs initiative or to learn more.
Pure Scot has also been named the exclusive environmental and whisky partner of the 2021 Byron Bay Surf Festival(26 -28 February), with a film showcasing the Great Reef Census projected during the opening event.
