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Abu Dhabi has deployed a series of specially designed, 3D-printed terracotta tiles to restore coral reefs off the shore of the emirate. The tiles were designed by a team of marine biologists and architects for ADQ, and Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company and Abu Dhabi’s environment regulator, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. They were produced through custom 3D clay printing by climate technology company Archireef.
Archireef, headquartered in Hong Kong, printed the tiles in Abu Dhabi’s KEZAD economic zone. In contrast to other types of artificial reefs, the clay-based reef structures are environmentally friendly, and engineered to closely mimic the natural pattern of corals. They also prevent sedimentation build up, which is a major threat for corals.
The partnership between ADQ and Archireef, was announced in November 2022, funds research and development of eco-engineering solutions for marine biodiversity restoration, and combines scientific research with the use of latest technologies in 3D printing, IoT (Internet of Things), and artificial intelligence (AI). Through its partnership with Archireef, ADQ aims to capture opportunities in innovative areas that simultaneously benefit the environment, mitigate climate change-related risks, and contribute to the preservation of habitats and species under the umbrella of its wider ESG aspirations.
The outplantation site, selected in partnership with EAD, is a marine protected area near Um Khorah Island in Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi. It features 40 square metres of reef tiles, housing around 1,200 coral fragments grown in specialised nurseries owned by EAD. A team of seven scuba divers deployed the tiled over a five-day period. Continuous monitoring of the site will now help gather data on the performance of the corals, including photographic updates to capture the recruitment of fish populations.
