CORAL REEFStoration

A local coral conservation and restoration project supported by the Sino Group and Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, in partnership with Ocean Park, archiREEF and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel. This cross-sectorial coral conservation partnership is a first in Hong Kong!
 

Oceans and Humans are Intimately Connected

Our oceans play a key role in maintaining the health of the planet. We rely on a healthy ocean to regulate our climate and provide for food, respiration and recreation. The rich biodiversity in the ocean forms an intricate web of life. The resources found within the ocean realm are limited. Our actions can positively and negatively affect the health and well-being of the animals and plants in the sea and on land, as well as impact the balance of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems.  Therefore, it is essential for us to live in harmony with the oceans since their state is intimately tied to human health and wellness.  Coral reefs occupy about 1% of the ocean floor, but they are home to more than a quarter of all marine species!

In Hong Kong, 84 species of reef-building corals, 29 species of soft corals and 38 species of Gorgonian corals serve as homes for other non-coral animals.   Our local coral communities are a unique biological heritage that belongs to you, me and our children too.

Yet, corals are under threats globally, some of which include:

• Climate change
• Coastal development
• Trawling and destructive fishing activities
• Coastal pollution and overuse by tourists

Even in Hong Kong, environmental changes or irresponsible human action could disrupt our local corals' delicate balance and health.  No matter where you are, we all must contribute to saving the corals!
 

CORAL REEFStoration is a local coral conservation and restoration project supported by the Sino Group and Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, in partnership with Ocean Park, archiREEF and The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel.  The project will use archiREEF tiles, the world’s first specially-designed reef tiles 3D-printed in terracotta. The complex structure of reef tiles is innovatively designed to enhance coral survivorship and health.  Once corals are attached to the reef tiles, they start to thrive and grow; the holistic organic structures provide habitats to attract more marine organisms and ultimately boost biodiversity in that area. 

The partnership targets to achieve the following outcomes in the next three years:

• Rebuild 20 sqm of coral reefs at the restoration site, Deep Water Bay
• Outplant more than 120 pieces of rescued local coral fragments on the 3D reef tiles
• Enrich biodiversity and attempt the establishment of an ecotourism destination at the restoration site
• Promote conservation awareness through education and community engagement programmes

To raise and encourage public awareness of coral conservation, CORAL REEFStoration will also launch the “Coral Conservation Ambassador Programme”.  Stay tuned.

Photo credit to Eric Keung, Phil Thompson and Vriko Yu