On September 12, 2024, Project Zero announced the launch of The Coral Collective, the world’s largest global conservation initiative dedicated to saving coral reefs from extinction. Marking its first anniversary this September, it continues to drive urgent awareness and funding toward protecting one of Earth’s most vital and endangered ecosystems.
Led by Project Zero, The Coral Collective supports the work of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the Academy for Coral, and a network of projects spanning 30 countries. Together, they form a powerful collective committed to turning the tide on the climate crisis.
The Coral Collective’s mission is to break through the echo chambers of the biodiversity world and bring coral reef conservation to the forefront of global climate action. With innovation at its core and the world’s most aspirational cultural makers and brands alongside, Project Zero raises awareness and funds to secure a global network of ocean sanctuaries.
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NICE, FRANCE - JUNE 12: Shezad Dawood poses with his artwork at the launch of "Thirty Six For Coral", an art exhibition supporting coral preservation on June 12, 2025 in Nice, France. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for The Coral Collective)
The project mobilizes everyday citizens, major donors, partners, and sponsors to invest in ocean conservation through campaigns, live events, and direct support. Working closely with a collaborative network of the world’s top ocean experts, it carefully vets each conservation project to ensure that funds are directed to those with the greatest potential for impact. These combined investments are then granted to projects around the globe that protect and restore the ocean and blue carbon ecosystems—helping to restore ocean health and turn the tide on the climate crisis.
The initiative made a splash from the very start, launching in the heart of Times Square with a dazzling billboard event. The unveiling featured prominent board members, including DJ and model Alexandra Richards — daughter of Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards and supermodel Patti Hansen — alongside Ty Wood, son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. The campaign’s evocative ad was narrated by Academy Award nominee Sienna Miller, setting the tone for a movement where art meets urgent environmental action.
“The ocean has always been a source of beauty and balance in my life,” says Alexandra Richards. “The Coral Collective initiative to protect reefs and spark awareness reminds me how powerful we are when creativity and purpose come together. It’s more than conservation; it’s a collective movement towards hope.”
In June 2025, The Coral Collective took its mission to the French Riviera with “Thirty Six For Coral”, a unique art exhibition and auction featuring 36 internationally acclaimed artists, including Vik Muniz, Rocco Ritchie, and Marc Quinn. Set against the backdrop of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, the event united royalty, rock stars, and art lovers in a shared commitment to ocean conservation.
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HRH Princess Eugenie, an ambassador for Project Zero, has acknowledged the vital importance of coral reefs in supporting marine life and global communities, and expressed her support for the Thirty Six For Coral exhibition’s efforts to raise awareness and funding.
Aku Orraca-Tetteh, a Project Zero board member, musician, and producer, emphasizes the ocean’s role in our lives: “Look at our galaxy and far into space. Our planet is the only blue planet with a livable atmosphere, courtesy of the ocean. The ocean is our peace, our joy, our life support system. The ocean divides us physically, but binds us together by giving us life here on spaceship Earth. As a board member of Project Zero, our mission is to connect people back to the ocean and, now, through our Coral Collective initiative, to the magical biodiversity of coral reefs. Look at what we’re fighting for…life. It’s time to come together and help secure its future.”
NICE, FRANCE - JUNE 12: HRH Princess Eugenie attends the launch of "Thirty Six For Coral", an art exhibition supporting coral preservation on June 12, 2025 in Nice, France. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for The Coral Collective)
The movement continues to thrive locally and internationally, with a vibrant community of tastemakers, artists, musicians, and influencers supporting the cause. From intimate gatherings in New York’s Soho to a lively celebration at Montauk’s Surf Lodge featuring DJ Alexandra Richards, the energy and dedication around coral conservation have only grown.
With projects unfolding across London, Miami, Monaco, New York, and beyond, The Coral Collective is redefining how we engage with environmentalism — through creativity, innovation, and community. As the initiative approaches its first anniversary, the message is clear: Together, we can turn the tide for coral reefs — and for the future of life on Earth.
