BALL Watch showcases its commitment to ocean conservation with the BALL Watch Adopt-A-Reef Campaign. In partnership with Reef Guardian, the campaign will support marine conservation efforts and research within the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) in Sabah, Malaysia.
Set within the Sulu Sea Region, SIMCA spans 46,317 hectares and includes the Lankayan, Billean, and Tegaipil islands. It is home to at least 600 species of reef fishes, 300 species of corals, six species of giant clams, two species of sea turtles, and 26 species of seagrass and algae. On 19 May 2022, SIMCA was recognized globally as a well-managed Protected Area and became an International Union Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List Site, the first of its kind in Malaysia and the Coral Triangle Countries. This positive outcome is the long-term commitment of Reef Guardian and stakeholders, such as local governments, NGOs, and local communities that have ensured the reefs within SIMCA are some of the most protected in Sabah.
A private and not-for-profit company, the Reef Guardian, was appointed by the state government to manage SIMCA in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department in 2003. Since 2004, the reefs around Lankayan Island have been protected from further destruction and marine threats, like fish bombing. Furthermore, since 2019, Reef Guardian research scientists have annually surveyed over 35 submersible reefs around the Lankayan and Billean Islands to monitor coral reef health, and record reef fishes and coral diversity. The survey data collected have been shared globally to demonstrate the efficacy of marine conservation investments.
BALL Watch was founded in 1891 to address a critical need for timekeeping precision in the early years of railroad development. In the decades since, it has remained faithful to its philosophy of accuracy under adverse conditions even while embracing the dramatic changes of the 20th and 21st centuries. The watchmaker extends the know-how it acquired in the service of the railroad industry to illuminate the human spirit in numerous ways; including supporting adventurers who have scaled the world’s tallest peaks, its furthest poles, and even the final frontier, that is Space.
Now, BALL Watch turns its attention to another environment facing adversity: The ocean. As the world grapples with the increased threats of global warming and human-induced activities such as unsustainable coastal development and illegal fishing, the Adopt-A-Reef Campaign will support the Reef Guardian’s efforts in coral reef research, marine conservation training, and outreach programs. Reef Guardian will also hold hands-on field activities with partners and stakeholders to advance the understanding of the marine conservation challenges in SIMCA.
According to Evelyn Wang, General Manager of BALL Watch Malaysia, “BALL Watch has always valued the sanctity of life and bold human endeavor. Through its efforts in documenting the positive outcomes of biodiversity protection and a well-managed and well-governed protected marine area, Reef Guardian proves that ocean conservation is a necessary investment of resources. Together with the commitment of local governments and organizations, we are proud to play our part in ensuring the reefs within SIMCA are well protected”.
First on the agenda is the year-long adoption of a reef that will be selected and named after BALL Watch Malaysia to symbolize its contribution to SIMCA. Proposed for this adoption is Reef 38, discovered in 2006 by Reef Guardian lead marine biologist and advisor Dr. Achier Chung. Reef 38 is among the most pristine submerged reefs around Lankayan Island. The medium-sized reef is located about 4km northwest of Lankayan island. It is a famous dive site that beautifully captures the wonder of the underwater world with its high diversity of fishes and corals.
“Tropical coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea because of the vast diversity of flora and fauna in this marine ecosystem. The hard corals create habitats that act as shelters, feeding grounds, and nurseries for millions of marine life. The existence of the coral reef ecosystem allows marine biodiversity to flourish and be resilient, leading to adaptation to environmental changes, which can prevent species extinction. SIMCA is the first privately-managed marine protected area in Malaysia. The IUCN Green Site listing was a milestone for us and shows that all our efforts have come to fruition over the years. With the joint efforts of sponsors and partners like BALL Watch, we hope to do more,” says Dr. Chung.
The second activity in the Adopt-A-Reef Campaign will gather BALL Watch representatives, partners, and stakeholders at Lankayan Island for a weekend of marine conservation-related activities such as an awareness talk, Reef Check eco-diver training, and a beach and underwater clean-up at Lankayan and Billean Islands. Additionally, a unique 3 Days 2 Nights package will be designed for potential partners who join the campaign to fundraise and promote the Adopt-A-Reef program.