The newly built nursery, on the coast of NEOM in northwest Saudi Arabia, is set to transform coral restoration efforts with a production capacity of 40,000 corals annually. Functioning as a pioneering pilot facility, researchers will leverage it as the blueprint for large-scale coral restoration initiatives. Most importantly, this facility serves as a precursor to a more ambitious project: the world’s largest and most advanced land-based coral nursery. Located at the same site, this advanced coral nursery will boast a ten-fold larger capacity to nurture 400,000 corals annually. With construction quickly progressing, the project is anticipated to reach completion by December 2025.

Home to 25% of known marine species despite covering less than 1% of the sea floor, coral reefs are the bedrock of numerous marine ecosystems. This is one reason why scientists are so concerned about the rising rate of mass bleaching events, with experts estimating up to 90% of global coral reefs will experience severe heat stress on annually by 2050. With the frequency of such events on the rise, solutions for coral recovery will be crucial for a healthy ocean.

In alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its efforts to bolster marine conservation, this major initiative leverages KAUST’s world-leading research into marine ecosystems and serves as a platform for trialing innovative restoration methods. Set within a 100-hectare site, the initiative will deploy 2 million coral fragments, marking a significant step in conservation efforts.

KCRI seamlessly aligns with KAUST’s overarching strategy, showcasing its dedication to catalyzing positive societal and global outcomes. Beyond environmental restoration, the project offers educational benefits, further reinforcing its alignment with the broader strategic goals outlined in Vision 2030.

According to  neom