Parley, Corona partners to save 100 islands by 2020

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Parley for the Oceans and Corona have announced a partnership to combat marine plastic pollution. The partnership was announced on the International Day of Recycling, marked on May 17. Marine plastic pollution can easily be recognised as one of the biggest threats to human health and the survival of the planet’s largest and most important ecosystem – the world’s oceans.

An estimated 8 million metric tonnes of plastic waste enters the oceans each year. The problem is present in every known ecosystem and at every level of the food chain. Given the current trend of marine pollution, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans.

The long-term partnership comes with a plan to protect 100 islands by 2020 starting in six key regions in different parts of the world – Mexico, the Maldives, Australia, Chile, Italy and the Dominican Republic.

“We are all connected to the sea. The state of our islands is a powerful reminder of that fact. Plastic trash travels around the world and washes up on the most remote beaches, enclosing paradise with a belt of colourful plastic debris,” said Cyrill Gutsch, founder of Parley for the Oceans.

“It makes you understand that something is dead wrong. Plastic is a design failure.”

The partners have decided to protect these regions by implementing Parley’s creative, multidisciplinary approach and signature formula, the Parley AIR Strategy (Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign).

In addition to implementing Parley AIR, Corona and Parley, are engaging like-minded ambassadors to represent the partnership in their countries. Recently representatives from Australia, Mexico, Chile and the Dominican Republic attended Parley Ocean School in the Maldives.

“I’ve spent a large part of my life in and around the ocean, it’s where a lot of my happiest memories came from. If I had anxieties or worries, I’d head to the ocean and it was always the place where I could reset and be 100% present,” said Chris Hemsworth, ambassador for Australia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”14026″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“My experience in the Maldives made it obvious how our short-term use of plastic has a long-term damaging effect on our oceans. I’m thrilled to be a part of this programme because I want to inspire people to find a solution and protect the world’s oceans so future generations can enjoy them like I do,” he added.

For years, Corona has been engaging local communities to do beach cleanups with an initiative called ‘Save the Beach’ in several countries around the world. The partnership with Parley for the Oceans represents an evolution of Corona’s commitment to take care of the outdoors and the 100 islands represent the most iconic symbols of Corona’s paradise.

“We needed to take a stand and protect the heart and soul of our brand. We will spread our love for the oceans and make people understand that we need to take care of it, inspiring people to change their own behaviours,” said Thiago Zanettini, Global Vice President of Corona.

“Corona is present in more than 180 countries and we have the opportunity and the responsibility to use that reach to be a voice for the oceans.”

Artists, designers, filmmakers, marine biologists, musicians, photographers and scientists explored the beauty of the oceans and witnessed the negative impact of plastic pollution on life underwater, on uninhabited islands and in local communities. The collective experience marks the starting point of an idea: Corona, Parley and a select group of creative change-makers will turn 100 islands into symbols of change.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]