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A Legacy Project:
Uniting, Educating and Inspiring Our Community to Love and Protect Our Oceans

The Sapphire Project: A Legacy for the Oceans, Presented by Tiffany & Co., in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales

In a united effort to safeguard our oceans, The Sapphire Project emerges as a pivotal legacy initiative in Australia. We are deeply invested in the preservation of our marine environments. Coinciding with the United Nations World Oceans Day, we seize this moment annually to amplify our efforts, connecting local actions to a global dialogue dedicated to oceanic conservation.

Alarmingly, less than 2% of charitable contributions in Australia are directed towards environmental causes, with an even smaller fraction benefiting oceanic preservation. This stark reality underscores the critical need for targeted support within this sector.

As proud advocates of the UN World Oceans Day Organisation, we are thrilled to announce our third annual Sapphire Dinner under the inspiring 2024 theme, "Awaken New Depths," set to occur on Thursday, June 20, 2024. This year, our efforts spotlight the majestic Great Barrier Reef, a cherished World Heritage Site renowned as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The largest living structure on Earth, the Reef is not only a national treasure but a vital component of our global ecosystem, supporting 64,000 jobs and injecting $6.4 billion into the economy annually.

Beyond its economic value, the Great Barrier Reef plays a crucial role in marine biodiversity, acting as a vital nursery for fish populations that sustain millions worldwide. It's a source of groundbreaking medicinal discoveries and, akin to the Amazon rainforest, serves as a critical buffer against climate change. Yet, this underwater marvel faces unprecedented threats from global warming, with repeated bleaching events putting its very existence in jeopardy.

Our commitment in 2024 extends beyond mere acknowledgment; we aim to actively contribute to the preservation of this irreplaceable ecosystem. The time to act is now: the decade between 2020 and 2030 will be decisive in shaping the legacy we leave for future generations, with implications that stretch far beyond our lifetime.

To read more about us, please click here. To discover more about our dedicated efforts in 2024, click here.

“Ever since I was a child, I’ve felt connected to water: lakes, rivers, streams - I love to jump in and swim around. But it’s the ocean where I go for rejuvenation, revelation and solace.

If people are not educated to understand what is at risk, they will continue to do the status quo. It is so important for them to understand human and planetary health, and how our actions can make a difference and empower us to contribute in a meaningful way towards a more sustainable future.”

Susan Rockefeller
Honorary Chair of The Sapphire Project
Founder of Protect What is Precious®

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Through our previous two Sapphire dinners, we successfully raised over $2 million in support of ocean conservation efforts.

It’s been a tough summer for our Reef.

This summer, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced multiple cyclones, flash flooding, and now a marine heatwave is causing mass coral bleaching. Rising ocean temperatures are threatening the Reef’s very survival. We’ve made significant progress advancing methods to restore reefs damaged by the impacts of climate change, but coral reefs remain one of the most vulnerable ecosystem on the planet. The Great Barrier Reef can recover, but only with your support.

When she hurts, we hurt. You can help rescue the Reef and build her resilience to the challenges of a warming planet.

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The ocean provides the oxygen for every second breath we take.

In 2024, the UN World Oceans Day’s theme is Awaken New Depths. This is so pertinent here in Australia. Our coast is intimately linked to our national economy, industry, arts, social lifestyle and cultural identity, with more than 85 percent of Australians living within 50 kilometres of the sea. Water has always been good to me, it’s time to give back.”

Ian Thorpe AM
Sapphire Committee & Ocean Ambassador

“What truly inspires us is the shared passion that unites everyone involved with Sapphire. From our committee members to our ocean partners, sponsors, and production teams, each person contributes unique skills and a deep love for the oceans. There's a well-known saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In that spirit, we're building a legacy project, a next-generation philanthropy endeavour, open to all who wish to contribute. Together, we have the power to effect meaningful change — not only for our own time but for the generations that follow.”

Hayley Baillie & Ryan Gollan
Co-Chairs of The Sapphire Project

“The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

Robert Swan

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions and culture.