Our Journey with the Coral Institute at The Heart of Europe
At The Heart of Europe, we're passionate about coral reefs. I've been sharing glimpses of our work recently, and many have asked, "Why the focus on corals?" The answer is what I want to share with you in this newsletter.
Corals are much more than just beautiful underwater formations; they are vital to the well-being of our oceans and, by extension, our entire planet. Despite covering less than one percent of the ocean floor, coral reefs host 25 percent of all marine species. They are the heart of marine biodiversity, supporting a complex web of life that includes everything from tiny plankton to sea turtles. These reefs also act as natural guardians of our coastlines, shielding them from storms and erosion. They help people earn a living-around the world, coral reefs bring in $375 billion each year through tourism, fishing, and protecting coasts. I'm passionate about corals; they're simply wonderful.
Our Coral Restoration Efforts
The first corals we rescued came from beneath the Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid, saved from areas where development threatened their survival. They now thrive in our waters. Seeing them grow fills me with a sense of optimism for the future. It reminds me that the work we are doing is not only saving these ecosystems but offering them a new lease on life. We are creating something that will endure.
We established our Coral Institute, where we have coral nurseries that care for fragments rescued from areas under construction or from damaged environments. Many of these corals were at risk of destruction, but we brought them to our nurseries to nurture them back to health. Walking through these nurseries now, it's heartening to see the array of colours flourishing under our care—the same vibrant hues we initially saw in the renderings. We can now confidently say that we are building what we promised.
Our dedicated team of marine biologists and specialists has enabled us to produce thousands of new corals each year. Currently, we're able to cultivate around 5,000 new corals annually. We're in the process of expanding our capacity with new methods to reach approximately 50,000 new corals in the next phase, and ultimately aim for 100,000 new corals each year. Right now, we're cultivating nine hard corals— some of the rarest in the sea—but we have the knowledge and expertise to expand this number to all 36 species.
A Thriving Ecosystem
Our efforts extend beyond corals alone. We've also begun to grow different species of “soft corals” and are breeding various marine creatures, including seahorses and clownfish. Many of our investors who purchase a Floating Villa express a desire to see clownfish—the beloved "Nemo"—in the waters around their villas. To fulfil this wish, we design the reefs according to the lifestyle of the clownfish, ensuring they have the appropriate habitat, food sources, and protection from predators. Interestingly, the colouration of corals plays a role in attracting certain fish; for instance, red fish feel more protected among red corals. By thoughtfully pairing fish and corals, we create harmonious underwater environments teeming with life and colour.
Making Dubai a Diving Destination
By building the first reefs in Dubai, we aim to help the region become a diving destination and contribute to broader conservation efforts. Dubai is not traditionally known for diving because, until now, there were no reefs. We've identified 28 locations for coral reefs, each around 7,000 square metres in size. We're collaborating with the government, which is also planning to increase reef areas in the ocean here, to make this vision a reality. We are working with international marine biologists, offering educational programs, and setting new standards for sustainable coastal development. It's inspiring to see our initiatives not only succeed but also encourage others to undertake similar projects.
Looking back on our journey, I feel hopeful and responsible. Seeing how nature bounces back when cared for is truly uplifting. Our work with the Coral Institute is about leading the way for responsible development and protecting the environment. Together, we can leave a lasting impact that helps both our oceans and communities for years to come.