Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia‘s The Red Sea and Amaala, has announced its commitment to coral protection and regeneration at Cop28.
The company’s coral initiative includes a partnership with the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP).
Additionally, Red Sea Global has revealed the name of its marine life institute at Amaala, which is called Corallium. The company has also announced the results of the first phase of its coral gardening pilot project.
“The Red Sea has some of the most stunning and resilient corals anywhere in the world. They may even hold the secret to global coral health,” said John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global.
“But unfortunately, not even Red Sea coral is invincible. We need to protect and regenerate this vital ecosystem. Our coral commitment is a promise to do just that.”
CORDAP was launched in 2020 to fast-track research and development solutions to save the world’s corals.
Professor Carlos Duarte, executive director at CORDAP, said: “The greatest risk to the planet does not rest on the climate and biodiversity crises, but on people giving up on the dream of a healthier, cleaner and safer planet.
“Many ecosystems and species could still be rebuilt by 2050 if people worked together to repair the damage and stabilize the climate. CORDAP together with Red Sea Global is an engine for keeping that dream alive.”
As for Red Sea Global’s coral gardening project, the developer is monitoring and working to restore around 300 reef sites through relocation and testing coral farming techniques.
Corallium, Amaala’s marine life institute
In 2021, the company established several offshore floating nurseries to sustain and grow rescued corals. Next year, Red Sea Global will take delivery of a coral breeding lab. The developer is already using robots and machine learning to monitor coral cover.
Raed Albasseet, chief environment and sustainability officer at RSG, said: “Our collective efforts have yielded valuable insights into the best conditions and techniques for coral enhancement.
“We’re confident, as we move into the next phase, we can further push up survival rates and expand capacity.”
Finally, Corallium at the Triple Bay development in Amaala will be home to coral and marine life rehabilitation zones.
“Through Corallium, we hope to inspire a lifelong love for our oceans, and ignite a wave of positive change for the planet,” Pagano added.
Images courtesy of Red Sea Global
