Coral reefs are dying — but a new wave of science could bring them back | United Nations скачать в хорошем качестве

Coral reefs are dying — but a new wave of science could bring them back | United Nations

For years, coral restoration relied on cloning, which lacks genetic diversity, making them more vulnerable to disease and rising ocean temperatures. Now, the latest innovation is shifting the focus to coral spawning — a process that mimics nature’s own way of reproduction. At the University of Derby, scientists are successfully spawning coral in the lab, growing entirely new individuals with unique genetic profiles. These lab-spawned corals are stronger, more adaptable, and more resilient to the impacts of climate change. In the Seychelles, where warming seas are devastating coral reefs, this breakthrough could be a turning point. By combining advanced science with nature’s blueprint, coral spawning offers real hope for restoring reef ecosystems — not just rebuilding them but making them better prepared for the future. This technology aligns with the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which aims to accelerate action on ocean conservation. The conference will bring together global leaders to address pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions like lab-based coral spawning to restore and protect our oceans.