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Fashion & Design industry leaders launch Coral Conservation
24 Jan '08
5 min read
The American market is also responsible for 80 percent of the live coral taken from reefs (more than 400,000 pieces a year).
Entire coral populations have been wiped out by destructive fishing gear such as trawls, which can mow down everything in their path. Recovery is not guaranteed and takes decades if it is able to occur.
Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co, said, "We are committed to obtaining precious materials in ways that are socially and environmentally responsible.
We decided to stop using real coral in our jewelry over six years ago and feel that there are much better alternatives that celebrate the beauty of the ocean."
Sylvie Chantecaille of Chantecaille Beaute said, "As designers and innovators our customers look to us for ideas and information. When we are creating our products, we have an excellent opportunity to help preserve rather than harm our natural environment.
If we are not careful, we may love precious corals to death. The impact would be much greater than losing an accessory or a design idea; we would lose a vital part of a healthy ocean. We urge others in the industry to help create a demand for coral conservation."
Too Precious to Wear launches at the beginning of the 2008 International Year of the Reef, marking the first time that marine scientists and fashion industry elite have joined to raise awareness of the threats facing corals and coral reefs.
Scientists say that 20 percent of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed, and that another 24 percent may be lost within our lifetimes if human impacts on corals are not reduced.
Dr. Andrew Baker, scientist and professor at the University of Miami said, "Corals around the world are in jeopardy, and urgent action is needed to stem their decline.
With the fashion industry and scientist uniting, we have an opportunity to reduce consumer pressure on corals, and raise awareness of the global threats they face from climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and disease."
In addition to raising consumer and industry awareness of the need to protect corals, SeaWeb and its Too Precious to Wear program will seek stronger conservation policy for corals in the United States and abroad, by calling for increased monitoring of the global coral trade.
Artist and home designer Michael Aram said, "My Coral Reef Collection celebrates the serene blue waters of the ocean and its aquatic creatures without causing them harm. With Too Precious to Wear, we can help ensure the survival of coral by highlighting the many coral-inspired and ocean-friendly products available."
Aram's Coral Reef Collection is just one example of coral alternatives available to consumers who love the ocean. Pottery Barn, the nation's leading home furnishings company, has a range of coral-inspired decorative objects for the home. A percentage of sales from Chantecaille's Coral Compact supports the Pew Institute for Ocean Science's Reefs of Hope project.
Entire coral populations have been wiped out by destructive fishing gear such as trawls, which can mow down everything in their path. Recovery is not guaranteed and takes decades if it is able to occur.
Michael J. Kowalski, Chairman and CEO of Tiffany & Co, said, "We are committed to obtaining precious materials in ways that are socially and environmentally responsible.
We decided to stop using real coral in our jewelry over six years ago and feel that there are much better alternatives that celebrate the beauty of the ocean."
Sylvie Chantecaille of Chantecaille Beaute said, "As designers and innovators our customers look to us for ideas and information. When we are creating our products, we have an excellent opportunity to help preserve rather than harm our natural environment.
If we are not careful, we may love precious corals to death. The impact would be much greater than losing an accessory or a design idea; we would lose a vital part of a healthy ocean. We urge others in the industry to help create a demand for coral conservation."
Too Precious to Wear launches at the beginning of the 2008 International Year of the Reef, marking the first time that marine scientists and fashion industry elite have joined to raise awareness of the threats facing corals and coral reefs.
Scientists say that 20 percent of the world's coral reefs have already been destroyed, and that another 24 percent may be lost within our lifetimes if human impacts on corals are not reduced.
Dr. Andrew Baker, scientist and professor at the University of Miami said, "Corals around the world are in jeopardy, and urgent action is needed to stem their decline.
With the fashion industry and scientist uniting, we have an opportunity to reduce consumer pressure on corals, and raise awareness of the global threats they face from climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and disease."
In addition to raising consumer and industry awareness of the need to protect corals, SeaWeb and its Too Precious to Wear program will seek stronger conservation policy for corals in the United States and abroad, by calling for increased monitoring of the global coral trade.
Artist and home designer Michael Aram said, "My Coral Reef Collection celebrates the serene blue waters of the ocean and its aquatic creatures without causing them harm. With Too Precious to Wear, we can help ensure the survival of coral by highlighting the many coral-inspired and ocean-friendly products available."
Aram's Coral Reef Collection is just one example of coral alternatives available to consumers who love the ocean. Pottery Barn, the nation's leading home furnishings company, has a range of coral-inspired decorative objects for the home. A percentage of sales from Chantecaille's Coral Compact supports the Pew Institute for Ocean Science's Reefs of Hope project.
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