14.2 OPERATIONS
Investing in marine research operations
KAUST announced the investment in a
state-of-the-art oceanographic research vessel ( RV ) in 2022 , which is expected to be fully operational by 2026 . The new vessel will replace KAUST ’ s 22-year old RV Thuwal , which has become limited in capacity as KAUST expands its research ambitions for studying the Red Sea . The vessel has served KAUST scientists for as many as 220 days at sea per year since 2013 . Designed by naval architecture company Glosten , the new RV will bring advanced research capabilities for work in both shallow reef and deepwater environments , including a reconfigurable deck for multipurpose jobs and equipment , and weather-hardy traits for managing the unique conditions of the Red Sea .
Sketch of the RV Thuwal II , a world-class , Glosten-designed vessel for KAUST
Bringing to life the world ’ s largest coral garden
The
KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative is a largescale coral reef restoration program funded by KAUST and initiated in 2021 . The project will be developed in partnership with NEOM at Shushah Island in the Red Sea . The initiative aims to achieve unprecedented coral restoration by integrating innovative , in-Kingdom and internationally developed technologies , pioneering propagation , planting and monitoring approaches , and by bringing on board international expertise to accelerate solutions for reef ecosystems .
Aiming to develop the biggest coral garden in the world , the program will start with a pilot nursery , which will then give rise to a coral garden the size of four football fields . The program will also count with a full digital twin encompassing advanced monitoring systems at the KAUST Shushah Island Research Center which will deliver superlative , non-invasive educational experiences to engage tourists , scientists and students from across the world .
Reefscape Restoration Initiative
m2
1000
Pilot nursery
Shushah Island at NEOM
100
Hectares of restored , conserved and enhanced reefscape
400k
Out-planted corals per year
Hosting a global coral R & D accelerator platform
In 2020 , the G20 launched the
Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform ( CORDAP ), an initiative aiming to protect and restore corals around the globe . Acting as the platform central node , KAUST has been providing administrative and scientific support to this initiative , which is financed by the government of Saudi Arabia and other G20 partners . Over 2021 the platform consolidated its structure and secured initial funding ,
releasing its 3-year strategic plan in 2022 . KAUST faculty from the Red Sea Research Center are deeply involved in the platform , currently being part of the Scientific and Advisory Committee .
14.3 ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH
Documenting and sharing the wonders of the Red Sea
A KAUST alumnus and a faculty from the Red Sea Research Center ( RSRC ) have authored the book
Into the Red Sea featuring stunning images taken on the western coast of Saudi Arabia . The book , released in 2021 , covers the work of scientists , engineers , and students concerned with coral reefs in the region and provides an up-to-date review of the geology , ecology , and physiology of coral reef ecosystems in the Red Sea . Hardcover copies in English and Arabic are available for purchase , giving the general public a chance to learn more about the Red Sea ’ s rich biodiversity and the importance of preserving it .
Using algal biotechnology to sustainably explore marine resources
In 2022 , KAUST announced a collaboration with The Ministry of Environment , Water , and Agriculture ( MEWA ) to deliver the
“ Development of Algal Biotechnology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ” ( DABKSA ) project . The aim of the collaborative project is to develop technologies that produce animal feed for agriculture in Saudi Arabia . Overseen by MEWA ’ s National Fisheries Development Program ( NFDP ), and located at the KAUST campus , the project is set to establish a sustainable and local fish feed industry , opening new economic ventures for the aquaculture sector , and contributing to the food security agenda of Saudi Arabia ’ s Vision 2030 .
Participating in global ocean forums
KAUST was represented at the 2022 UN Ocean ’ s Conference by integrating the Blue Saudi Pavillion . Representing the only academic partner of the pavilion , KAUST ’ s President Tony Chan cemented the university ’ s ambition to contribute to the Kingdom ’ s blue strategy . The Pavilion hosted an event to facilitate the conversation around the role of science and innovation in enabling the regenerative development of the Red Sea . It counted with the participation of KAUST faculty , which discussed how meaningful partnerships and collaboration , coupled with good governance , can drive positive action in the marine environment .
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