Riyadh: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI) is set for a transformative 2025, marking strategic milestones that showcase its growth and innovation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, KCRI Chief Scientist and newly appointed Director Prof. David Suggett stated, "It is the biggest coral restoration ever executed on Earth," highlighting the initiative's immense scale and cutting-edge use of technology, scientific research, and strategic partnerships aimed at ensuring a sustainable marine environment.
Suggett emphasized that KCRI is a restoration effort covering 100 hectares of coral reef adjacent to Shushah Island. The area is systematically divided into operational grids to facilitate efficient planning and execution. The restoration includes coral propagation, habitat enhancement, and augmentation using artificial structures.
The press release also mentioned a major milestone anticipated in 2025: the KCRI eCoralS digital twin. This digital ecosystem, developed by KCRI, combines artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven analytics to streamline coral restoration, scenario modeling, and decision-making. It provides real-time insights via data and analytics, which are crucial for enhancing restoration efficiency.
At nearby Haddah Beach, KCRI operates the world's largest coral farm. This 1,000-square-meter pilot facility, operational since March 2024, serves as a testing ground for advanced coral propagation methods. By pioneering coral micro-fragmentation and fusion techniques, coral husbandry teams accelerate coral growth to boost survival and biodiversity.
With construction completion expected before the end of 2025, KCRI's main facility will become the world's largest and most advanced land-based coral nursery, capable of producing up to 400,000 corals annually.
"With ambitious goals and cutting-edge innovation, KCRI is set to make 2025 a milestone year in global coral restoration. These efforts will lay the foundation for Saudi marine conservation lasting many years," the release concluded.