17 Sep 2022

New Coral REEFStoration project aims to rebuild Hong Kong’s reefs

A new initiative called ‘Coral REEFStoration’ has been established to jump-start coral preservation and restoration in Hong Kong.

On 14 September 2022, Sino Group, archiREEF, Ocean Park Corporation, The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong and Hong Kong Innovation Foundation launched the region’s first-ever cross-sector collaborative project for local coral preservation and restoration.

Coral reefs occupy 1% of the ocean floor and they are home to more than a quarter of all marine species. In Hong Kong alone, we have almost 90 native hard coral species. Unfortunately, our planet’s coral communities are facing tremendous challenges from climate change, marine pollution, habitat damage and overfishing – all of which have a residual impact on marine biodiversity. Rising sea temperatures have intensified coral bleaching and led to extensive loss of coral communities.

“Like Hong Kong – coral reefs are bustling cities under the sea,” said Dr David M. Baker, Co-Founder at archiREEF and Associate Professor of Ecology & Biodiversity at The University of Hong Kong. “Science and technology solutions can give reefs a boost and mitigate stress caused by climate change and coastal development.”

The Coral REEFStoration project will leverage local marine conservation expertise and use the world’s first 3D-printed terracotta reef tiles from archiREEF to rehabilitate coral reefs in Hong Kong’s southern waters. The tiles will be nurtured by a professional husbandry team at Ocean Park’s coral nursery facility before being transferred to the seabed of Deep Water Bay. These reef tiles give coral fragments the best chance of survival and, consequently, will help restore ecological balance to our seas.

“Sino Group believes that innovation and engagement are keys to promoting sustainable development. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions with like-minded organisations, and cultivating a spirit of innovation in our younger generation,” said Mr David Ng, Group Associate Director of Sino Group.

Education and community engagement are vital for any environmental or biodiversity-based venture. The Coral REEFStoration team hope to provide the public with a variety of educational and engagement activities to raise awareness about marine conservation, including a kid’s Ambassador Programme that teaches young people how to preserve and protect coral reefs for many generations to come.