Swiss watch brand ‘adopts’ Sabah reef to support marine conservation efforts

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — Swiss company Ball Watch has highlighted its commitment to ocean conservation with its 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.

In May 2022, SIMCA was recognised globally as a well-managed Protected Area and became an International Union Conservation of Nature 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.

In regard to Ball Watch, it 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.

Now, the timepiece brand has turned its attention to another environment facing adversity: the ocean. Its Adopt-A-Reef Campaign will support the Reef Guardian’s efforts in coral reef research, marine conservation training and outreach programmes.

"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,” said Evelyn Wang, general manager of Ball Watch Malaysia.

"Together with the commitment of local governments and organisations, we are proud to play our part in ensuring the reefs within SIMCA are well protected,” she added.

On the agenda is the year-long adoption of a reef that will be selected and named after Ball Watch Malaysia to symbolise 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.