Coral Restoration Foundation™ has always prided itself on its capacity for innovation as we work to restore the world's coral reefs. So, when we started getting significant donations from the newly-launched crypto token, Ponyo-Inu, we were incredibly excited.
We spoke to one of Ponyo-Inu's enigmatic founders, Sōsuke, about his connection to the ocean and why he feels optimistic about the capacity of crypto to help scale up reef restoration efforts around the world.
What is your earliest memory of the ocean?
My earliest most vivid memory is sitting on a storm wall, with the winter light at the end of the day and the chilly air at the end of my grandmother's street in Massachusetts.
What is your favorite marine creature?
What a tough question for me to consider. It feels wrong to select a marine mammal as my favorite creature but manatees are so special to me. I observe them when I go canoeing in the Miami river. I feel at peace when I see them gliding beneath the water; they are so gentle, yet subjected to the destructive whims of humans.
Have you experienced a healthy coral reef ecosystem?
I experienced a healthy coral reef ecosystem when I spent time in Belize. I was just in awe and amazement of the biodiversity in the ocean. While I didn’t see the most healthy reef, it was still the most magnificent.
Have you seen a badly degraded reef system?
While spending time in Mexico, the reef system appeared to lack vibrancy. There was little life present; the colors were just gray and beige. It was quite a depressing feeling.
What concerns or scares you the most about climate change?
Climate change and its impact on the lack of biodiversity is a major concern. Biodiversity provides vital functions for our ecosystem like nutrient recycling, tree pollination, soil fertilization, pest and disease regulation. We need our ecosystem to be healthy so all life on earth can flourish.
Why do you, personally, care about coral reefs?
Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems on earth. If they don't exist, just like if the bees don't exist, this has a massive effect on us all. If we can make a difference and help mitigate or even reverse the loss, this is one of the most impactful ecological causes of our time.
Why is protecting and restoring coral reefs relevant to your brand?
The protection and restoration of coral reefs is a straightforward approach to get otherwise reluctant crypto investors to contribute to a noble cause and show the collective power of the meme for good.
Why should the average person care about coral reefs?
The average person should care about coral reefs because we are deeply interconnected to our world’s ecological systems. Similarly to how humans understand that can’t we can't live without forests, our oceans can't survive without coral reefs.
In your opinion, what are some of the most powerful tools at our disposal that we can apply to the mission to save coral reefs?
Social media, outreach and partnerships to get more engagement and awareness about the importance of Coral Restoration Foundation™ and its mission are important tools to be future forward in saving coral reefs.
What do you think are some of the easiest ways that the average person can join the mission to save coral reefs from extinction?
The average person can join in on this mission by ensuring that they are recycling, minimizing their use of fertilizers, saving energy at home and work, and using eco-friendly modes of transportation. Additionally, sharing these practices within their community, contributing monetarily or volunteering in person.
Do you think there is hope for our coral reefs?
Yes, of course! I remain optimistic about the future for coral reefs. Primarily because the relatively small team at CRF™ has had such a large positive impact on the reef so far. Scientists are using novel methods to save the reefs as well. I’m hopeful that scaling up the capacity for CRF™ will exponentially improve the future of the reef's outlook. My ultimate dream is for satellite organizations similar or in partnership with CRF™ to undertake the same processes and expand its impact across the globe.