On December 5, the documentary Reef by Reef was showcased in Osaka at an event co-hosted by Global Infrastructure Basel (GIB) and Swissnex in Japan, highlighting the Zurich-born, female-founded organization’s efforts to restore coral reefs through science, design, and collaboration. Co-produced by Swissnex and GIB, the film reflects the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and storytelling.
The discussion explored a wide range of perspectives on coral reef restoration, with panelists Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt (rrreefs), Dr. Frédéric Sinniger (University of the Ryukyus), Dr. Roger Huerlimann and Dr. Fabienne Ziadi-Künzli (OIST), Juraj Jurik (GIB), and moderator Hilda Liswani (GIB) emphasizing the importance of collaboration across disciplines. They highlighted strategies for prioritizing coral species, implementing sustainable aquaculture practices, and building resilience in restoration projects. Insights also focused on scaling initiatives effectively, showing how science, design, and local knowledge can come together to rebuild ecosystems. The panelists further underscored the vital role of storytelling and education in inspiring action, fostering environmental stewardship, and connecting communities worldwide.
Restoring reefs is not just about coral, it is about working together, learning from local communities, and building resilient ecosystems for the future—Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt (Co-Founder & Co-CEO, rrreefs)
Starting far from the ocean in Switzerland, yet driven by precision and innovation, Reef by Reef tells the story of a commitment to rebuilding ecosystems. From modular reef structures to genomic research, the initiative demonstrates how science, design, and education come together to revive coral reefs while supporting local communities, sustainable aquaculture, and biodiversity.
This event is part of the Swissnex for the Planet initiative. From climate change to biodiversity loss, science has exposed deep fractures in the relationship between humans and the Earth. Swissnex for the Planet is an initiative to explore a new form of diplomacy focused on rebalancing human and nonhuman interests on this planet.
Learn moreExploring Swiss Innovation in Ocean Restoration and the Blue Economy! Join us on November 7, 2025, at Swissnex in Japan for the Japan premiere of “Reef by Reef” — a short documentary highlighting breakthrough coral reef restoration technology developed by a women-founded Swiss startup.
On July 31st, the Consulate of Switzerland, Swissnex in Japan, in collaboration with ZHAW and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), proudly hosted “Beyond Recycling” focused on food Packaging and Sustainability as part of the Swissnex for the Planet initiative.
From September 8 to 26, Swissnex Window #10 brought together artists from Japan and Switzerland to reflect on water in its many forms. Through an exhibition, a conference, and a master class, the project explored water, technology, and the fragile balance of our planet. Their works invited us to reflect on our position within a world in transformation.
The second edition of the Swiss-Japan Energy Days took place at Swissnex in Japan on September 25 and 26, during Expo 2025 Osaka. Against the backdrop of the world’s Expo theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the conference convened leading experts, researchers, policymakers, and startups from Switzerland and Japan to address the urgent global energy and climate challenges of our time.
