To celebrate the opening of Disney-Pixar’s latest film, Finding Dory, the sequel to the much beloved Finding Nemo, The Walt Disney Company is inviting Australians to join them to help protect the Great Barrier Reef, the setting of the original film.
Disney is partnering with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to provide educators and consumers with Finding Dory-themed educational materials and activity guides to help raise awareness of the decline of the reef and inspire people to make a difference.
Like many coral reefs worldwide, the Great Barrier Reef is under threat from outbreaks of crown of thorns starfish, storm damage and coral bleaching which are linked to poor water quality and climate change.
“The Walt Disney Company, through its Disney Conservation Fund, has assisted many of the species seen in Finding Dory and worked to reverse the decline of threatened wildlife through scientific research, collaboration and community engagement,” said Dr Beth Stevens, Senior Vice President, Environment and Conservation, The Walt Disney Company.
“With the release of Finding Dory, we are excited to launch the ‘Remember The Reef’ program, which recognises the role the Great Barrier Reef played in inspiring the characters we know and love, and helps ensure the reef’s beauty and diversity will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The downloadable Finding Dory-themed education kits available online will cover topics such as Great Barrier Reef sustainability, marine careers, taxonomy, and coral/kelp ecosystems. The website also will feature tips on visiting the ocean responsibly, protecting local waterways and ideas on ways to decrease your “footprint” through reducing waste, conserving water and saving energy.
Other companies supporting reef conservation include: Finding Dory premiere sponsor and Great Barrier Reef Foundation partner Qantas, which is dedicating its carbon offset program – the largest of its kind in the world – to the support of a regeneration project in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area, for the entire month of June. In addition, the Kids Zones at Qantas Clubs in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Cairns will be Finding Dory-themed during June, with a focus on educating future custodians of the Reef.
Globally, as part of the Disney Conservation Fund’s 20th anniversary, The Walt Disney Company has launched a new initiative aimed at reversing the decline of 10 threatened species through scientific research, community collaboration and increasing the time children spend in nature. These species include coral reefs, sea turtles, sharks and rays. The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) has proudly contributed $40 million in grants to nonprofit organizations working in 115 countries.
Listen to the 'voice of Dory', Ellen DeGeneres.