NEOM, April 25, 2024, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in collaboration with NEOM, has embarked on a groundbreaking project—the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI)—as outlined in a recent press release from KAUST.
The KCRI is positioned as the world's most extensive coral restoration endeavor, with a mission to rejuvenate reefs globally. The project's primary nursery is already operational, situated in the Red Sea, with plans for a second facility underway. Funded by KAUST, a distinguished graduate research university in Saudi Arabia, the initiative comes at a time when KAUST has been recognized as the top Arab University by Times Higher Education.
The newly established nursery, located on NEOM's coastline in northwest Saudi Arabia, is poised to revolutionize coral restoration efforts with an annual production capacity of 40,000 corals. It serves as a pioneering model for large-scale coral restoration, paving the way for an even grander endeavor—the world's largest land-based coral nursery. This advanced nursery, slated for completion by December 2025, will have a capacity to nurture 400,000 corals annually.
Coral reefs, hosting 25% of marine species despite occupying less than 1% of the sea floor, are fundamental to marine ecosystems. The press release underscores the urgency of addressing rising mass bleaching events, with projections suggesting that up to 90% of global coral reefs could face severe heat stress annually by 2050. In this context, coral recovery solutions are deemed vital for maintaining a healthy ocean.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's commitment to marine conservation, KCRI leverages KAUST's expertise in marine ecosystems to trial innovative restoration techniques. Spanning a 100-hectare area, the initiative aims to deploy 2 million coral fragments, marking a significant stride in conservation endeavors.
KAUST President Prof. Tony Chan articulated the university's resolve to pioneer scalable solutions for coral reef preservation. He emphasized KAUST's role in contributing world-leading expertise toward achieving this vision.
NEOM's CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, echoed these sentiments, highlighting NEOM's dedication to sustainability and its collaborative efforts with KAUST to tackle global environmental challenges. Through this partnership, they aim to raise awareness about the critical role of coral reefs and advocate for their preservation.
For further details about the KCRI initiative, visit the official website: [KAUST ReefScape](https://www.kaust.edu.sa/html/reefscape/)
