Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Bentley Partners With SeaTrees For Kelp Restoration In California
Bentley Motors has announced funding for a significant environmental project off California's coast, managed by SeaTrees. This initiative aims to restore and monitor kelp forests at three key sites and reintroduce Sunflower Stars to help save California's declining kelp forests. The announcement was made during a beach dinner for Bentley customers at Monterey Car Week in California.
More than 90% of California's kelp has been lost due to climate change, worsened by the disappearance of sunflower stars and the rise of purple sea urchins. An innovative aspect of the project involves growing Sunflower Stars in laboratories. These invertebrates are natural predators to urchins and will help control their population when released into the sea, maintaining the balance of the trophic food web.
Kelp is vital for combating climate change as it absorbs carbon dioxide from both the atmosphere and ocean. It also serves as a natural habitat for hundreds of marine creatures, protects coastal communities, and offers cultural and recreational value. The Foundation project will support SeaTrees in collaboration with Reef Check California and the Sunflower Star Laboratory to create conditions conducive to kelp growth and support research into kelp forest recovery.
The Bentley Environmental Foundation, established last year as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, hosted the event. This foundation represents Bentley’s long-term commitment to global sustainability issues. Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and DEI Officer responsible for the Bentley Environmental Foundation, stated: "At Bentley, we are committed to driving forward innovative environmental initiatives and solutions."
The California project is another step in Bentley’s journey towards a carbon-neutral future. The Bentley Environmental Foundation already collaborates with Sustainable Surf, the organisation behind SeaTrees, to regenerate ocean health. Projects include planting one million mangrove trees in Kenya and seagrass and kelp regeneration efforts in Portugal and Spain.
Michael Stewart, Co-Founder and Director of SeaTrees, commented: "Partnering with the Bentley Environmental Foundation is a game-changer for our kelp restoration efforts in California." He highlighted that Bentley's support allows them to tackle the urgent crisis facing kelp forests with a multifaceted approach.
Innovative Collaborations
The Foundation’s support will help transform and conserve vital blue carbon ecosystems globally. Wayne Bruce added: "The Foundation’s support for the kelp restoration project in California underscores this commitment." He emphasized that this initiative aligns with their Beyond100 strategy and ongoing dedication to global sustainability.
SeaTrees will also promote their work alongside Reef Check California to a broader audience, encouraging similar initiatives worldwide. Their marine ecosystem projects aim to create optimal conditions for kelp growth while supporting research into kelp forest recovery.
Bentley Motors is renowned as a luxury car brand with its headquarters in Crewe, where all operations including design, R&D, engineering, and production occur. The company employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.
This latest initiative by Bentley reflects its commitment to preserving marine habitats through innovative collaborations aimed at addressing climate change challenges effectively.
Continue with Google