Conserve and sustainably use the oceans , seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1 EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Inaugurating the world ’ s first Coral Probiotic Village
In 2021 ,
KAUST inaugurated the world ' s first coral probiotics village in the Red Sea . The " Red Sea Research Center Coral Probiotics Village " ( CPV ), located around 20 km off the campus shores , was initially projected to test coral probiotics , a pioneering technology developed by KAUST faculty . However , over 2022 , the village evolved into a permanent natural laboratory through collaborative research projects , allowing KAUST researchers to design experiments and share data on the same reef system , unlocking unprecedented characterization of an open ocean ecosystem . The village is part of KAUSTs efforts and approach to coral preservation , restoration and enhancement .
Coral Probiotics Village
12 +
Collaborating KAUST Faculty
Coral Probiotics Village
7
Atributed Grants
15 +
Student Thesis Projects
Equipping in-Kingdom specialists with tools to preserve reefs
A KAUST faculty from the Red Sea Research Center hosted a
coral training workshop in October 2021 targeted at marine science students and external professionals . In an effort to make coral pattern recognition engaging and instructive , the KAUST researchers organized diving activities around two themes : “ Hunt your nightmares ”, photographing corals hard to identify ; and “ Hunt your endemics ,” photographing all endemic species one could find . The activity provided a learning opportunity for professionals working at several
coastal development projects to better identify coral species of the Red Sea for biodiversity management and protection purposes .
KAUST Coral Training Workshop
Supporting responsible coastal development through research
KAUST signed a Master Research Agreement ( MRA ) with Red Sea Global ( RSG ) ( former The Red Sea Development Company ) in 2021 . The agreement follows extensive collaboration between the two organizations and cemented the legal framework for mutually beneficial research projects on topics including , sustainability of marine environments , waste management systems , sustainable food production , energy conservation , and carbon sequestration .
Establishing scientific monitoring to track environmental changes over time was one of the first assignments from the new research agreement , something vital in helping Red Sea Global achieve its commitment to deliver a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 . RSG ’ s The Red Sea project is considered the most ambitious regenerative tourism project in the world .
Red Sea Global CEO John Pagano and KAUST President Dr . Tony Chan signing the joint MRA
32 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT