In 2024 rrreefs and Geistlich Pharma joined forces to regenerate degraded coral reefs and protect vital marine ecosystems. rrreefs, a Zurich-based ETH spin-off, has developed a modular, 3D-printed reef system made from pure terracotta clay that rebuilds lost reef structure and creates new habitat for corals and marine life.
Thanks to the commitment of Geistlich employees worldwide – who together walked, ran and cycled 4,434 kilometers to support the project – the Geistlich section of a new community reef in Pujada Bay, in the south of the Philippines, is now fully constructed.
In December 2025, local reef builders from the surrounding communities, trained by rrreefs to assemble and deploy the structures underwater, installed the reef modules. This makes the site one of the first rrreefs projects built entirely by a local team – an important step toward scalable, community-led reef regeneration.
Together with other impact-driven partners, Geistlich is contributing to a larger regenerated reef area in Pujada Bay. Designated a marine protected area in 1994, the bay is a biodiversity hotspot with interconnected seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs. Its relatively sheltered waters offer ideal conditions for coral growth and reef recovery. The Philippines host almost 10% of the world’s coral reefs and exceptional biodiversity, yet 98% of these reefs are classified as threatened, with 70% at high or very high risk, and less than 2% still in excellent health.
The photos from the newly constructed community reef show the site during installation and shortly afterwards. We expect the reef to become increasingly vibrant with life over the coming months. Through this partnership, Geistlich Pharma and rrreefs are helping to regenerate a critical ecosystem while empowering local communities to become active stewards of their reefs.
