2023-02-20

Rebuilding Coral Habitats with CORAL REEFStoration



 
Coral reefs occupy about 1% of the seabed, yet they are home to more than a quarter of marine species. Hong Kong’s marine biodiversity is immensely rich with a long coastline of nearly 90 hard coral species. In recent years, coral bleaching has intensified due to global warming and rising sea temperatures, resulting in an extensive loss of coral communities. 

Sino Land is partnering with the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Ocean Park and local start-up archiREEF on CORAL REEFStoration, the first cross-sector coral restoration project in Hong Kong.

The team uses the world’s first specially-designed 3D-printed reef tiles, which enable coral fragments to attach and grow; the organic structures also provide habitats for more organisms, supporting marine biodiversity. The reef tiles will then be taken care of by the professional husbandry team of the Hong Kong Ocean Park before transferring to the seabed on the south side of Hong Kong for rehabilitation and conservation under continued monitoring as part of the ecological research.  It is expected that in three years, 20 sqm of reefs will be rebuilt with more than 120 pieces of rescued coral fragments to re-create suitable habitats for local marine species.

To raise awareness of the value of coral reefs and inspire the younger generations to protect the precious coral ecosystems, a range of tours and workshops as well as internship programmes for tertiary students are being arranged. 

Click here to learn more.