Life is full of small moments woven together leading to significant transformations.   

A few months before my trip to Tahiti, I came across a video for an environmental organization called Coral Gardeners.  Filmed in the pristine waters of Fiji, the video featured individuals planting small pieces of coral on thin ropes in the South Pacific – an underwater garden of coral.  Once nurtured for 1-2 years, these resilient coral fragments would be transplanted onto damaged and bleached reefs, revitalizing the vital ecosystems that are desperately in need of restoration. 

 As rising water temperatures trigger coral bleaching—transforming vibrant corals into ghostly white shells—it becomes evident that these crucial habitats for marine life are at risk. The urgency to save and preserve coral reefs cannot be overstated. 

 The video remained in the back of my mind as it was bold, innovative, yet so beautifully simple.  "How cool", I thought, but I didn't have a personal connection to it...yet... 

 Fast forward to a balmy evening on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia in May 2024, under the gentle hum of a fan in my secluded bungalow.  In a spontaneous twist of fate, I had completely abandoned my original travel itinerary, allowing me to discover this tiny paradise along an overgrown dirt road. I took a break from planning my next move with a scroll through Instagram, and a tagged video featuring Coral Gardeners in Moorea caught my eye. 

 To my astonishment, their headquarters was less than 15 minutes away.  Fueled by curiosity and excitement, I felt an irresistible pull to learn more about their mission. 

 Witnessing the incredible efforts of Coral Gardeners to restore the South Pacific's coral reefs firsthand inspired me to support the work of the organization through Marine + Vine.  Inspired by their dedication, Marine + Vine has committed to contribute 5% of our annual sales to support their vital work. This means supporting not only the planting of new coral fragments but also fostering the development of innovative techniques to nurture these budding reefs. 

 The Coral Gardeners’ focus on small, incremental changes in rebuilding these precious ecosystems is profoundly uplifting. As Marine + Vine expands, my determination to enhance our support will only grow stronger. Together, we can help ensure a vibrant future for our oceans. 

 

Give Your Skin Paradise.