KAUST and NEOM Launches World’s Largest Coral Restoration Initiative in Saudi Arabia

The initiative includes establishing coral nurseries along the coast of NEOM, with the first already operational and a second facility underway.
The existing nursery aims to produce 40,000 corals annually, with plans to expand to a capacity of 400,000 corals per year by December 2025.

Significance and Conservation Goals:
Coral reefs are vital ecosystems, home to 25% of marine species while occupying less than 1% of the ocean floor.
With up to 90% of global coral reefs at risk annually from bleaching and heat stress by 2050, the initiative is crucial for global efforts to mitigate coral reef degradation.

Strategic and Innovative Approaches:
The initiative focuses on large-scale coral production and trials innovative restoration techniques.
KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) aims to transition from labor-intensive methods to more scalable, industrial processes.

Partnership and Vision:
This project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, enhancing marine conservation efforts and leveraging KAUST’s research capabilities.
NEOM and KAUST emphasize sustainability and the initiative’s potential to contribute to environmental education and awareness.

Leadership Comments:
Prof. Tony Chan, President of KAUST, highlighted the intent to pioneer methods that can significantly reverse coral degradation.
Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, emphasized the project’s alignment with NEOM’s sustainability goals and commitment to innovative solutions.