Shortly after installation, algae began to colonize the bricks, subsequently attracting various fish species and providing them with sustenance. This initiative is part of the Melitta Group's commitment to sustainability and contributes to global ecosystem regeneration goals.

Despite being submerged off the Ecuadorian coast only at the start of June, the new reef has already shown significant development: algae have colonized the stones, drawing numerous fish species that find nourishment there. The reef system will undergo scientific monitoring and analysis over the next three years.

The "rrreefs" system, conceived by the Swiss startup of the same name, aims to rehabilitate damaged coral reefs and establish a habitat for fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

First artificial reef in the eastern Pacific

In collaboration with the local community group Conversacion Marina Ecuador (CONMAR), a 20-square-meter artificial reef system was submerged off the coast of Isla El Sucre. This initiative marks the first of its kind in the Eastern Pacific, a region that has seen the loss of approximately 70 percent of its coral reefs in recent years. "This deployment in the Eastern Pacific is a premiere for our system, which is tailored to the unique reefs of the area. It allows us to assess the regenerative abilities across three different oceans, enhancing our scientific knowledge significantly. This collaboration with Melitta is a pivotal step in this journey," explains Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt, co-founder of "rrreefs."

The project not only contributes to the recovery of a fragile ecosystem but also seeks to enrich the local fishing communities' understanding of coral ecosystems and engage them in marine conservation efforts. Furthermore, the reefs play a vital role in protecting coastlines.

Contribution beyond core business

"Advancing sustainable development aligns with our corporate mission. The conservation and enhancement of biodiversity are crucial, not just for our main areas of activity but also for the health of global ecosystems. We are delighted to see the successful development of the reef," states Stefan Dierks.

Through its initiative in Ecuador, the Melitta Group is aiding the restoration of marine ecosystems affected by plastic pollution, thereby making a significant impact on global sustainability. "Although our company is not a major contributor to ocean plastic, we are committed to making a difference within the industries we serve, extending beyond our primary business," explains Stefan Dierks.