How is Mars Restoring Coral Reefs in Indonesia?

Mars Sustainable Solutions has pioneered one of the largest coral restoration projects in the Spermonde Archipelago, Sulawesi.

Known as ‘The Big Build’, the initiative united government, NGO, business, and community partners to install a 2,500m² reef and outplant 30,000 corals across the tropical Coral Triangle. This ambitious effort is part of Mars Sustainable Solutions’ ongoing mission to reverse reef decline, complementing the SHEBA Hope Grows programme, which aims to restore more than 185,000 square metres of reef by 2029.

Landmark restoration in the Coral Triangle

Situated in the world's most biodiverse marine region, the Spermonde Archipelago is vital for both ecosystem preservation and local livelihoods.

‘The Big Build’ gathered 17 conservation and science participants to accelerate reef recovery, targeting sites where rubble and damage hindered natural restoration.

By concentrating efforts, the team provided an immediate framework for fish, invertebrates and future coral settlement, while boosting coastal safety.

“14 years ago, I asked a small team of Mars associates a simple question if it would be possible to rebuild a coral reef ecosystem,” says Frank Mars, Board Member and Former Board Chair of Mars.

“And today, I’m proud to say that the answer is yes, both technically and scientifically. 

“As we build on two decades of dedication to coral restoration through Mars Sustainable Solutions, it's thrilling to witness the cross-sector, community-centred collaboration shown in ‘The Big Build,’ demonstrating that it is possible to deliver resilient coral restoration at a large scale. 

“The world we want tomorrow is not going to materialise on its own. 

“The success of SHEBA Hope Reef demonstrates that we can change the course of coral reefs if we collectively change how we live, work and play together today.”  

Accelerating recovery with new engineering

The project uses the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System, deploying hexagonal, sand-coated steel “Reef Stars” pre-planted with coral fragments to form sturdy webs over bare rubble.

This modular approach allows small dive teams to cover large sites rapidly; experienced teams install roughly 500 Reef Stars over two days, reducing cost and time to ecological function.

 “Through ‘The Big Build,’ we will harness the power of cross-sector partnerships to restore critically endangered coral reefs at the centre of marine biodiversity within Indonesia,” says Professor David Smith, Senior Director Mars Sustainable Solutions and Chief Marine Scientist at Mars.

“Our collaborative efforts will spread a message of hope and optimism to the global community.

“We aim to reveal the need for building trusted partnerships, locally and across the globe, to deliver large-scale restoration at the scale that is needed to preserve these invaluable ecosystems and thereby secure a brighter future for our oceans.” 

Over time, corals overgrow the structures, which become fully integrated into the reef matrix.

Training for sustainable impact

The Big Build also served as a training platform for national partners, boosting Indonesia’s ability to conduct restoration on a larger scale.

Teams learned site selection, construction, installation, and monitoring techniques they can replicate throughout the archipelago. This community-driven method builds local expertise, encourages livelihoods centred on healthy reefs, and ensures ongoing maintenance and adaptive management post-installation.

“As a brand, we have a wide-reaching global platform and we recognise it’s our responsibility to use that platform to help fuel positive change,” says Mindy Barry, Global Vice President of Marketing, SHEBA brand. 

“The release of ‘Reef Builders’ is a powerful new chapter in our larger mission behind the Sheba Hope Grows programme. 

“Through the documentary, we want to inspire and educate people on coral’s plight and its importance to our everyday lives.”

From pilot to global impact

Beginning in 2006 near Makassar, the programme now extends to over 30 reefs in 10 countries across five continents.

So far, tens of thousands of Reef Stars and hundreds of thousands of coral fragments have been placed, resulting in increased coral cover and fish populations at focus sites.

“I am so proud to be part of The Big Build because there are so many people and partners from outside Bontosua, from across Makassar and Indonesia, that come to the Island and help the local Bontosuan Community with coral restoration,” says Farhan, Member of the Local Bontosuan Community Restoration Team.

“We are now one of the only Islands in the Pangkep region which has received this level of Indonesia-wide recognition and engagement. 

“The Big Build and coral reef restoration is so important to our Island as healthy coral reefs provide critical coastal protection and support the livelihoods and food supply for the Island.” 

With SHEBA Hope Grows and expanding partnerships, Mars Sustainable Solutions is scaling up its proven methods as a global answer to reef loss.