The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI) is poised for a landmark year in 2025, with ambitious plans that highlight its leadership in marine conservation through innovation and scale.
In a recent statement, Prof. David Suggett, KCRI’s Chief Scientist and newly appointed Director, described the initiative as “the largest coral restoration project ever undertaken on Earth.” He emphasized that KCRI’s combination of advanced technology, scientific research, and global partnerships sets it apart in the mission to safeguard marine ecosystems.
Shushah Island
The initiative focuses on rehabilitating 100 hectares of coral reef near Shushah Island, employing a structured grid system to optimize large-scale restoration efforts. Key activities include coral propagation, habitat restoration, and the deployment of artificial structures to support reef recovery.
KCRI eCoral
A major breakthrough expected in 2025 is the launch of KCRI eCoral™, a digital twin ecosystem powered by AI and machine learning. Moreover, this cutting-edge tool will provide real-time data analytics, enabling smarter decision-making and predictive modeling to enhance restoration efficiency.
Haddah Beach
KCRI has already established the world’s largest coral farm at Haddah Beach, a 1,000-square-meter pilot facility operational since March 2024. Here, researchers employ micro-fragmentation and fusion techniques to accelerate coral growth, boosting biodiversity and resilience.
By the end of 2025, KCRI’s flagship land-based nursery is set to become the largest and most advanced of its kind. Additionally, the capacity to cultivate 400,000 corals annually.
Finally, KCRI is shaping 2025 into a defining year for global coral restoration, setting the stage for long-term marine conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
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