WATCH: How custom tiles will restore coral reefs in Abu Dhabi waters

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi has deployed a series of specially designed 3D printed clay bricks to restore coral reefs off the emirate’s coast.

The tiles were designed by a team of marine biologists and architects for ADQ, the Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, and Abu Dhabi Environment Authority, Abu Dhabi’s environmental regulator. They were custom 3D clay printed by climate technology company Archireef.

Hong Kong-based Archireef prints tiles in Abu Dhabi’s KEZAD economic zone. Compared to other types of artificial reefs, clay reef structures are environmentally friendly and carefully engineered to closely mimic the coral’s natural form. They also prevent sediment buildup, which is a major threat to corals.

ADQ and Archireef announced a partnership in November 2022 to fund the research and development of ecological engineering solutions for marine biodiversity restoration, combining scientific research with the use of the latest technologies such as 3D printing, IoT (Internet of Things) and artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence). Through its partnership with Archireef, ADQ aims to seize opportunities in innovative areas that simultaneously benefit the environment, mitigate risks associated with climate change, and contribute to the protection of habitats and species within its broader ESG aspirations. contribute.

The project is an innovative addition to EAD’s efforts, whose marine ecosystem protection and restoration initiative has been ranked among the top 10 global initiatives by the United Nations Environment Programme. The agency provided logistical support and expertise to the project, and EAD’s team of coral specialists worked closely with ADQ and Archireef to assess and select sites to supply coral for the project from EAD’s in situ coral nursery.

The transplant site chosen in cooperation with EAD is a marine protected area near Um Khorah Island in the Al Dhafra area of ​​Abu Dhabi. It features 40 square meters of reef tiles, housing approximately 1,200 coral fragments grown in specialist nurseries owned by EAD.

A team of seven divers deployed the tiles in five days. Ongoing monitoring of the site will now help gather data on coral performance, including updated photos to capture fish population replenishment.

As the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, supporting the highest number of aquatic species per unit area, coral reefs are increasingly receiving exceptional protection from government and private sector actors. 34 different types of hard corals are known to inhabit Abu Dhabi waters. Around the world, the presence of corals has decreased over the past decade. Abu Dhabi is no exception – in 2017 alone the emirate lost 73% of its coral reefs due to massive coral bleaching due to rising water temperatures.

EAD has since launched the largest coral reef restoration project in the region, aiming to grow one million coral reef colonies in Abu Dhabi waters.

Anas Jawdat Albarguthi, Chief Operating Officer of ADQ, said: “Our partnership with Archireef brings to Abu Dhabi a unique and innovative approach to coral restoration to protect our emirate’s natural environment and promote sustainable development. For ADQ, being part of this The project providing a lifeline to endangered coral reefs is a memorable occasion, the first of its kind in the UAE and wider region. Underscoring our commitment to practical solutions driven by R&D [research and development] and innovation to address environmental challenges, this biodiversity restoration plan is in line with our ESG aspirations and we believe it will have a positive impact not only on our planet, but also on the local communities in which we operate. “

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of EAD’s Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, said: “This project highlights the importance of adopting innovative technologies to assist in the restoration of marine biodiversity. Partnerships between the private and government sectors are the key to ensuring the protection of vulnerable habitats.” and key to studying species such as coral reefs. This specific project is an extension of all of our ocean restoration programs, especially the first coral reef restoration project in our region. Additionally, it is part of our efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change, which is part of our EAD priorities, especially with the UAE hosting COP28 this year.”

Vriko Yu, co-founder and CEO of Archireef, said: “With our industry-leading coral survival rate of 95% achieved in similar projects in Hong Kong, we have every reason to believe that the Abu Dhabi marine ecosystem will benefit from the deployment of our innovative Similar benefits are reaped from terracotta-based coral reef tiles. As the emirate steps up efforts to mitigate climate change in line with national goals and targets, we hope to contribute to biodiversity restoration. From a biological standpoint, our tiles Corals provide a vital base of settlement, which is fundamental to rebuilding and rebalancing fragile marine ecosystems.”