Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (DUBAI)
Coral reefs, often described as the rainforests of the sea, are vital to the marine ecosystem, affecting the lives of over 1 billion people who rely on them for food, and saving $272 billion annually in coastal protection, according to the UN.
At COP28, Deniz Tekerek, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Archireef, a company that uses an eco-friendly approach to coral reef restoration, shared insights into their unique project in an interview with Aletihad.
“We are essentially a tech company born out of the University of Hong Kong,” Tekerek explained, describing Archireef’s journey from a seven-year PhD project to a commercial venture focused on deploying specially designed reef tiles to restore coral reefs.
Tekerek shed light on a crucial but often overlooked issue that negatively impacts coral habitats - sedimentation.
Historically, ocean floors were rocky, providing a stable foundation for coral growth, he explained.
However, human activities like dredging and deep-sea trawling have transformed these rocky beds into sandy deserts, unsuitable for coral habitation. Corals are animals without traditional plant roots, and require a stable structure to attach themselves to for growth.
Tekerek compared Archireef’s solution to a home renovation, but on the seafloor. “What we simply do is create these structures, which act as an extension to their roots, or as something that enables them to move down and latch on,” he said. This innovative approach not only provides a new foundation for corals, but also encourages the natural formation of coral colonies.
Archireef’s approach is rooted in biomimicry, a method that mimics natural processes and elements to solve human problems.
This technique is especially relevant in their design of reef tiles, which are tailored to local environments, and also prevent sedimentation.
“In Abu Dhabi or Dubai, you might have different corals and species in comparison to, say, the Caribbean or Southeast Asia. So this design adjusts dynamically,” Tekerek noted.
The key to Archireef’s success lies in its material choice - terracotta clay. Unlike concrete or metal structures commonly used in reef restoration, terracotta clay is pH-neutral and non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly option.
“It’s a purely nature-based material, which means it will have no adverse effects on the areas deployed in,” Tekerek emphasised. This choice of material is crucial, as it attracts and promotes coral growth more effectively than traditional methods.
Archireef’s projects have shown impressive results. “In a three-year period, [our tiles] performed in one particular area with a survivorship of corals at 95%,” Tekerek shared.
This success rate is four times higher than traditional coral restoration methods, which typically see much lower survival rates.
The significance of this innovation is not lost in the context of the UAE’s environmental conditions and business climate.
This success rate is four times higher than traditional coral restoration methods
“The environmental conditions in the UAE are perfect for this solution,” Tekerek observed. He also pointed out the region’s openness to sustainability and nature-based solutions, making it an ideal location for the company’s operations. Archireef’s decision to set up their only production centre in Abu Dhabi is a testament to the country’s suitability for their work.
Tekerek shared that they have successfully deployed one site in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQ). Building on this momentum, they are in the process of launching a second project with First Abu Dhabi Bank
(FAB).
“This second site will be live in around three to four months from now,” Tekerek revealed.
Discussing the process of adapting their tiles to different regions, Tekerek detailed the extensive research and site assessments that go into each project.
“Before we deploy, we always do site assessments,” he said, explaining how satellite imagery and on-site sampling help tailor their approach to local conditions.
The technology behind these reef tiles is as fascinating as their environmental impact. Archireef uses 3D printing to create these structures, a method that offers the precision and customisation necessary for effective coral restoration.
“Clay can’t be printed easily - it’s very difficult to print clay. And the density in which this works also needs a lot of expertise,” Tekerek stated, highlighting the complexity and innovation involved in their production process.
The company’s proprietary reef tiles have not only demonstrated a remarkable success rate in coral survivorship but also have the potential to enhance biodiversity in marine environments, Tekerek added.
The work of Archireef, recognised by organisations such as the World Economic Forum and IUCN, is a beacon of hope in the ongoing struggle to preserve coral reefs.
At a time when these vital ecosystems face unprecedented threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution, innovative solutions like those offered by Archireef are more important than ever.
Tekerek’s passion for the project is palpable as he talks about the future.
“We’re very, very optimistic and positive about being able to do this more and more in the UAE,” he said.
