Dalmatian Islands Environmental Organization Kicks Off Fundraising Drive to Safeguard Coral Reefs on Island Iž
The ReefQuest project is a new conservation initiative launched by the Dalmatian Islands Environment Foundation (DIEF), with the aim of researching and protecting coral reefs around the island of Iž. The project recently started a crowdfunding campaign to support its efforts, focusing on studying the coral ecosystems in this area to develop strategies for their preservation[1][2][4].
The main goal of the ReefQuest project is to protect the coral around Iž. By enhancing scientific understanding and promoting environmental resilience, the project aims to engage the local community and restore the coral reefs[1][2]. Although the operational methods have not been fully detailed, it is clear that the project is a grassroots conservation effort dedicated to safeguarding the marine biodiversity near Iž through research and community-supported conservation.
The ReefQuest project is being led by KPA Zadar, a diving club with over 50 years of experience. They are bringing together scientists, the local community, and volunteers to study the effects of climate and human impact on the marine environment[5][6].
Corals, known as the "nursery and shelter" of the ocean, are a crucial habitat for many fish and marine invertebrates. However, corals across the Adriatic face growing threats such as rising sea temperatures, pollution, and the spread of invasive species. If corals disappear, entire ecosystems lose resilience, and the value of fisheries, tourism, and nature on the Adriatic islands diminishes[3].
The findings from the ReefQuest project will be vital for future monitoring and conservation efforts. The project involves the mapping and documentation of coral health at 20 sites, which will provide valuable data for understanding the current state of the coral reefs around Iž[2].
In addition to the ReefQuest project, DIEF has supported 11 projects in the past two years, with total funding of €178,000. Some of their previous initiatives include reforesting oak woods on Zlarin and supporting the Sunce Association's "Plastic-Free Island" project[7]. On Hvar, DIEF installed several public drinking fountains to encourage visitors to refill bottles and reduce plastic waste. The Sunce Association's project led to restricting single-use plastics in all concession-holder tourism operations in the Telašćica Nature Park[8].
The goal of supporting the ReefQuest project is to protect natural heritage and the sea for future generations. The future of Adriatic corals, and the marine world, depends on joint action. The ReefQuest project invites everyone to support by August the 14th through the Crowdfunder page[6].
[1] https://reefquest.org/ [2] https://www.dief-hrvatska.hr/projects/reefquest/ [3] https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/coral-reef/ [4] https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/reefquest [5] https://kpa-zadar.hr/ [6] https://www.dief-hrvatska.hr/ [7] https://www.dief-hrvatska.hr/projects/ [8] https://www.sunce-mediterana.hr/en/
- To protect the marine biodiversity near Iž, the ReefQuest project, a grassroots conservation effort led by KPA Zadar, is focusing on utilizing environmental science and understanding climate-change effects to restore coral reefs and engage the local community.
- As the future of Adriatic corals and the marine world depend on joint action, financing for the ReefQuest project, through the Crowdfunder page by August 14th, is crucial in safeguarding the coral ecosystems and securing the natural heritage for future generations.
