Mary Kay Inc-European Partners Collaboration Supports Native Oyster Restoration

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Oyster reefs benefit humans and the environment through a suite of ecosystem services.

A single oyster can filter up to 240 litres of water daily, resulting in increased water quality and clarity and support a unique and highly diverse community of fish and invertebrate marine species while oyster reefs are the world’s most threatened marine habitat, with an estimated 85 per cent loss globally.

In celebration of World Endangered Species Day and International Day for Biological Diversity, Mary Kay Inc, a global leader in corporate sustainability, announced its collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and European partners to support native oyster restoration projects in the UK and continental Europe.

TNC helped to launch the Native Oyster Restoration Alliance (NORA), a European network made up of governmental agencies, scientists, NGOs, oyster growers, and private enterprises. The teams are collaborating on the restoration of the native European flat oyster habitat so it once again supports the biodiversity that relies on it and helps improve water quality.

“Mary Kay is proud to support The Nature Conservancy’s work to help reintroduce the native European oyster to restore critical marine biodiversity,” said Deborah Gibbins, Mary Kay’s Chief Operating Officer in a statement.

“The Nature Conservancy’s vast experience in oyster reef restoration on four continents gives us confidence in their efforts to revitalise these rare and critically endangered habitats in European marine waters. At Mary Kay, we’re focused on leaving the planet better than we found it. That includes protecting creatures large and small.”

Dr Elizabeth Mcleod, who leads on reef conservation for TNC’s Global Reef Program, said: “Oyster reefs are some of the best investments we can make in conserving natural systems.

“Healthy oyster populations ensure cleaner water and help shield coastal areas and the people who live there from the impacts of climate change. With support from funders like Mary Kay, TNC can restore and protect these important systems for the long term.”

Mary Kay’s partnership with TNC and the NORA network will support projects that protect biodiversity and marine resources across Europe. Examples include Oyster Restoration sites in the UK; and, Oyster Restoration in Continental Europe.

-- BERNAMA