KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative Gears Up for Transformative 2025

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI) is set for a transformative 2025, marking strategic milestones that showcase its growth and innovation.
 In a recent press release from KAUST, KCRI Chief Scientist and newly appointed Director Prof. David Suggett said, "It is the biggest coral restoration ever executed on Earth," adding that KCRI appealed to him because of its immense scale and cutting-edge use of technology, scientific research, and strategic partnerships to ensure a sustainable marine environment.
 Suggett highlighted that KCRI is a restoration effort covering 100 hectares of coral reef adjacent to Shushah Island. Systematically divided into operational grids to facilitate efficient planning and execution at this scale. The restoration activity includes coral propagation, habitat enhancement, and augmentation using artificial structures.
 The release also stated that one major milestone Suggett anticipates in 2025 is the KCRI eCoral™ digital twin — a digital ecosystem developed by KCRI that combines artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven analytics to streamline coral restoration, scenario modeling, and decision-making, noting that providing real-time insights via data and analytics for strategic planning is a critical step for strategic planning needed to enhance restoration efficiency.
 At nearby Haddah Beach, KCRI already operates the world's largest coral farm. Operational since March 2024, this 1,000-square-meter pilot facility serves as a testing ground for advanced coral propagation methods. By pioneering coral micro-fragmentation and fusion techniques, the coral husbandry teams speed up coral growth to enhance coral survival and biodiversity.
 With construction completion expected before year-end 2025, KCRI's main facility will be the world's largest and most advanced land-based coral nursery. It is designed to produce up to 400,000 corals annually.
 "With ambitious goals and cutting-edge innovation, KCRI is set to make 2025 a milestone year in global coral restoration. These efforts will lay the foundation for Saudi marine conservation lasting many years," the release read.