Pacific Blue Foundation previously collaborated with Austin Bowden-Kerby of Corals for Conservation to provide a Control Program for the Crown of Thorns Starfish on Yanuca Island. This program focused on initiating a community-managed coral reef project that would educate villagers and encourage their participation. When Pacific Blue Foundation learned that Robens’ was working with Bowden-Kerby, the organization co-sponsored her efforts.

Robens’ film documents Bowden-Kerby’s coral reef conservation work. Since the health of the coral reef directly impacts the locals, Bowden-Kerby strives to involve the surrounding communities. Promoting locally managed reefs, similar to those on Yanuca Island, may be a key component to saving the coral reefs.

The Wildscreen Festival gives filmmakers the opportunity to present current environmental issues, and the Panda is a laudable award. Robens’ achievement draws attention to the current state of the world’s coral reefs, and hopefully a ripple of awareness will instigate communities to take part in rehabilitating the reefs.

Upon receiving the award, Robens thanked Austin and the reef.

Below is a clip from The Coral Gardener.