Alif Kazman joins global reef program

In a remarkable endeavor for marine conservation, Alif Kazman, a Malaysian marine biologist, has embarked on a mission to restore the world’s largest coral reef as part of the prestigious SHEBA® Hope Advocate Program. This initiative, driven by SHEBA® — a renowned pet food brand under Mars, Incorporated — aims to unite global advocates in safeguarding our oceans.

The SHEBA® Hope Advocate Program brought together individuals from diverse corners of the globe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Southeast Asia (SEA), to collaborate on a grand scale reef restoration effort in Bontosua, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Alif Kazman was chosen as the representative of Southeast Asia in this crucial endeavor.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as a SHEBA® Hope Advocate representing SEA,” Alif Kazman expressed enthusiastically. “This experience has been eye-opening, witnessing the sheer scale of the SHEBA® Hope Reef and its profound impact on local communities, researchers, and field officers dedicated to reef restoration. I am eager to share my knowledge about marine conservation with my peers and the younger generation.”

Restoring coral reefs with Reef Stars

The 10-day adventure in Bontosua provided the advocates with hands-on experience in reef restoration. They worked closely with the local community, received valuable training in practical restoration techniques, and played a pivotal role in rehabilitating coral reefs using the innovative Reef Stars, a core component of the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System.

The SHEBA® Hope Advocate Program has garnered international recognition, with a significant number of applications from across the globe. Philippa Mansell, Indonesia Marine Program Lead at Mars Sustainable Solutions, emphasized the passion displayed by advocates selected from over 250 applicants. “We are delighted with the final seven advocates selected based on their passion for ocean conservation,” said Mansell.

SHEBA and Malaysian retailers join forces for marine conservation

Beyond his participation in the global program, Alif Kazman’s efforts extend to raising awareness and support within Malaysia. SHEBA® has initiated a collaboration with selected Malaysian retailers to gather donations for the iconic SHEBA® Hope Reef. For every purchase of any SHEBA® product, RM 0.50 will be generously donated to the SHEBA® Hope Reef.

This unique promotion is available at Giant stores nationwide for offline shoppers until October 31, 2023, and on Lazada Malaysia’s Whiskas and Pedigree Flagship Store for online shoppers until November 21, 2023.

SHEBA’s commitment to a better world

Dr. Susan Wan, General Manager of Mars Petcare Indonesia, expressed her enthusiasm for the SHEBA® brand’s role in promoting environmental sustainability. “The SHEBA® brand is a proud part of the Mars family, driven by our purpose to create a better world for pets. It’s more than simply a cat food company; their global movement Hope Grows is inspiring change to protect the environment, our climate, and local communities.”

Alif Kazman’s journey, from representing Southeast Asia in the SHEBA® Hope Advocate Program to contributing to marine conservation efforts within Malaysia, serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can make a significant impact in safeguarding our precious marine ecosystems. His dedication aligns with SHEBA®’s broader mission of fostering a sustainable future for both pets and the planet.

For more information and to support the SHEBA® Hope Reef, please visit www.sheba.com.my/kelestarian.