In a unique twist of fate, discarded fishing nets that once threatened marine life are finding new life as basketball nets in India, thanks to the innovative efforts of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Through their groundbreaking campaign, ‘Nets for Change,’ the NBA is not only addressing environmental concerns but also revitalising basketball courts across the country.
Murtaza Madraswala, Head of Marketing, Content & Communications at NBA India, highlighted the pressing issue, stating, “About 80% of the marine ecosystem is polluted by ghost nets. Approximately 5,000 tonne of these ghost nets are washed up on the shore in India.
These ghost nets are majorly impacting the marine ecosystem in their natural habitat. Also, whenever we visited various basketball courts across cities, we found the functional part of the game missing, which is the net. So we thought this is a great way to tackle two problems with one solution.”
The ‘Nets for Change’ initiative not only tackles the environmental menace posed by abandoned fishing nets but also addresses the need for functional basketball infrastructure in communities. By repurposing these nets into basketball nets, the NBA is promoting sustainability and fostering community engagement through the sport.
To learn more about this groundbreaking initiative and its transformative impact, watch the accompanying video.