This month, Atlas Air Worldwide marked its 20-year partnership with Qantas by contributing to the preservation of one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems—the Great Barrier Reef. This donation to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation builds upon Qantas’ longstanding commitment to coral restoration, which has been a key aspect of its philanthropic mission for more than 15 years.
Michael Steen and Igor Kwiatkowski, Executive Manager Freight, Qantas Freight presented the Atlas donation to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to the organization’s Director of Development, Stephanie Morison.
A Symbol of Partnership and Sustainability
Through its donation, a coral will be planted for each of Atlas’ approximately 5,000 employees, symbolizes the enduring partnership between Atlas and Qantas, as well as both companies’ shared dedication to sustainability and commitment to creating a positive environmental legacy.
“We’re investing in the future of our planet and leaving a lasting, positive legacy for generations to come,” said Graham Perkins, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa. “This donation is more than a gesture of goodwill – it reflects our commitment to taking tangible action to protect our planet.”
Preserving a Natural Wonder
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the most iconic natural wonders of the world, is a breathtaking marvel and the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem. It plays a crucial role in supporting marine life, protecting coastlines, and providing livelihoods for thousands of people. However, this UNESCO World Heritage site is under threat from climate change, poor water quality, and other environmental pressures. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation responds to these challenges through innovative projects aimed at protecting and restoring ocean habitats and building the Reef’s resilience for the future.
Atlas’ donation will be directed to the “Plant a Coral” project, also known as the Coral Restoration Fund, which focuses on developing tools, proving the science, and building the capacity to plant ten million corals on the Great Barrier Reef. This project includes training Queensland local operators, Traditional Owners (i.e., Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples), and researchers in the innovative coral restoration technique known as Coral IVF, pioneering new solutions to help coral reefs resist, adapt to, and recover from warming ocean temperatures, and deploying Reef Seed—a world-first portable coral nursery in shipping containers that can grow and plant 100,000 corals each year.
Building Climate Resilience and Supporting Communities
The impact of Atlas’ support extends beyond environmental benefits. The coral restoration efforts funded by this donation are expected to contribute to the Great Barrier Reef’s climate resilience by developing coral strains with increased thermal tolerance and enhancing natural resilience. This focus is taking on increasing importance as climate change intensifies, ensuring a better future for the Reef and the communities that depend on it.
Additionally, the Great Barrier Reef supports local communities through tourism, fishing, and cultural heritage. The decline of the Reef directly impacts these communities, making restoration efforts critical for sustaining their economic well-being and preserving their cultural connections to this natural wonder.
Advancing Atlas’ Broader Sustainability Strategy
Atlas’ contribution is also a testament to the company’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes advancing its corporate citizenship by protecting the planet and contributing to social impact. As a global leader in airfreight, Atlas is acutely aware of its environmental footprint and is committed to reducing its impact while supporting customers in achieving their climate goals.
Beyond financial contributions, Atlas is dedicated to implementing best practices that empower its teams to actively participate in preserving the planet. Whether philanthropic efforts like this Great Barrier Reef restoration, or through reducing emissions and enhancing fuel efficiency, Atlas remains committed to making a meaningful difference. Read the 2023 Atlas Sustainability Report to learn more.
About the Great Barrier Reef Foundation
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation is creating a future for the world’s coral reefs by protecting ocean habitats, restoring coral reefs and helping them adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Foundation raises funds to invest in innovative ideas and design real-world, scalable conservation programs that are delivering breakthroughs in marine and terrestrial restoration. Walking in step with First Nations Peoples and front-line communities, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation is fast-tracking and deploying solutions around the world.
