NEOM Launches Largest Coral Restoration Initiative In Saudi Arabia

NEOM, the futuristic city located in Saudi Arabia, has unveiled a groundbreaking coral restoration initiative aimed at preserving and restoring the country's coastal coral reefs. This laudable project showcases NEOM's commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

This ambitious initiative includes the establishment of coral nurseries along the coast of NEOM, with the first nursery already operational and a second facility in progress. The existing nursery is projected to produce 40,000 corals annually, but the plan is to expand its capacity to an impressive 400,000 corals per year by December 2025.

Recognizing the significance of coral reefs as vital ecosystems that support a quarter of marine species despite occupying less than 1% of the ocean floor, this initiative takes on added importance. With up to 90% of global coral reefs facing bleaching and heat stress risks annually by 2050, the NEOM project plays a critical role in global efforts to mitigate coral reef degradation.

The initiative employs strategic and innovative approaches to coral restoration. Its primary focus lies in large-scale coral production and the trial of innovative restoration techniques. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) aims to transition from labor-intensive methods to more scalable, industrial processes, ensuring efficient and effective reef restoration.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the coral restoration project reinforces the country's commitment to marine conservation. Additionally, NEOM and KAUST emphasize the initiative's potential to contribute to environmental education and awareness, further spreading knowledge about the importance of coral reef preservation.

Leadership within the project has voiced their dedication to significantly reversing coral degradation. Prof. Tony Chan, President of KAUST, emphasized their intent to pioneer methods that can make a substantial impact. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, underscored the project's alignment with NEOM's sustainability goals and their unwavering commitment to innovative solutions.

As NEOM leads the charge in the largest coral restoration initiative in Saudi Arabia, their dedication to marine conservation and sustainable practices will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on environmental preservation.