How a Saudi university’s AI solution is revolutionizing Red Sea coral conservation

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The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral, (KAUST photo)
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The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral, (KAUST photo)
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Updated 06 September 2024
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How a Saudi university’s AI solution is revolutionizing Red Sea coral conservation

  • Coral-AI uses sensors and algorithms to monitor and protect coral reefs, offering a blueprint for global conservation efforts
  • Developed by KAUST, the system monitors the ocean environment in real-time and delivers nutrients autonomously

JEDDAH: Facing the global challenge of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures, scientists at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have pioneered an innovative AI-driven solution to monitor and protect these fragile ecosystems.

The groundbreaking technology, Coral-AI, combines real-time environmental monitoring with automated delivery of beneficial microorganisms, offering a proactive approach to preserving coral health not just in the Red Sea, but potentially across the world’s oceans.

The Red Sea, the world’s northernmost tropical sea, is a semi-enclosed body of water connected to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Sea through the narrow Suez Canal and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.




Shutterstock map showing the Red Sea.

While widely celebrated for its stunning coral reefs and tourism appeal, the Red Sea is also gaining recognition as a vital area for the study of coral ecosystems.

Home to more than 265 species of coral, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba provide food and shelter to hundreds of vertebrate and invertebrate species, including many endemic and endangered species.




The coral reefs of the Red Sea are unique, serving as an open-air laboratory for studying coral resilience in the face of climate change. (KAUST photo)

This distinctive biodiversity underscores the growing need for conservation efforts in the region.

The coral reefs of the Red Sea are unique, serving as an open-air laboratory for studying coral resilience in the face of climate change. Due to rising ocean temperatures, coral reefs around the world have experienced significant bleaching in recent years.

That is why scientists at KAUST have developed Coral-AI, which combines automated beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) delivery with on-site coral bleach detection.

This innovative system marks a significant advancement in coral reef health management, offering a comprehensive solution through the integration of image processing, AI, and advanced sensor technologies.

Coral-AI’s system introduces a novel approach by autonomously delivering BMCs to coral reefs, streamlining the process and reducing manual labor and costs. The device delivers probiotics to coral reefs and can identify when a coral is dying and deploy medicine.

Coral-AI is “equipped with sensors that monitor environmental conditions directly at the coral site, allowing for real-time adjustments in BMC dispensation,” Khaled Nabil Salama, project supervisor and professor of electrical and computer engineering at KAUST, told Arab News.




KAUST scientists testing the Coral-AI in the Red Sea. (KAUST photo)

“This dual capability of monitoring and proactive intervention makes the system particularly innovative, as it not only assesses but also responds to signs of coral stress, such as elevated temperatures that can lead to bleaching.”

Using an ESP32 microcontroller for optimal performance in the underwater environment, Coral-AI employs algorithms to precisely control the BMC dispensation based on sensor inputs. 

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Red Sea is home to more than 265 species of coral and serves as a natural laboratory for the study of climate resilience.

• KAUST developed Coral-AI to automate the delivery of beneficial microorganisms to coral reefs and detect bleaching in real-time.

• Initially tested in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, Coral-AI’s success indicates its potential for adoption in other regions.

• While Coral-AI automates many processes, human expertise remains essential for setting up, calibrating and analyzing data.

“Algorithms play a key role in the system’s functionality by precisely controlling the pumps based on sensor inputs,” Salama said.

“These algorithms allow for the adjustment of BMC dispensation in response to detected environmental changes, ensuring that the corals receive optimal treatment based on current conditions.”

Integrated sensors continuously monitor critical factors such as temperature that impact coral health. By detecting variations, the system can adapt the BMC dispensation to address specific requirements, whether for preventive care or active treatment of bleaching events.

“This proactive approach to environmental monitoring enhances the system’s ability to safeguard coral reefs,” Salama said.




KAUST scientist testing the Coral-AI in the Red Sea. (KAUST photo)

Coral-AI’s system analyzes sensor data to evaluate coral health status and BMC treatment efficacy. By comparing real-time data against established thresholds indicative of coral stress, the system can optimize BMC dispensation to mitigate adverse conditions efficiently.

This data-driven approach provides valuable insights for informed decision-making in coral health management.

The system addresses challenges such as biofouling and variable underwater conditions by incorporating features such as extra pumps and hydraulic dampers to ensure consistent BMC delivery.

Rigorous calibration and testing under controlled conditions enhance the system’s accuracy and reliability, critical for maintaining coral health effectively.

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Humans are not entirely redundant in the process, however.

“While the system automates many processes, human experts are essential for setting up the system, calibrating sensors, analyzing long-term data trends, and making strategic decisions about coral health management,” Salama said.

“Their expertise ensures that the automated system functions as intended and that the interventions are scientifically sound.”

Although Coral-AI has so far only been tested in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, its success paves the way for potential adoption in other regions facing similar threats to coral reefs.




AI plays a bihg role in protecting the coral reefs of the Red Sea by making monitoring work easier. (KAUST photo)

“The system’s scalability and effectiveness make it a valuable tool for global conservation initiatives, potentially revolutionizing coral reef management practices worldwide,” Salama said.

Protecting the coral reefs of the Red Sea is crucial for advancing scientific understanding of coral resistance to climate change, which will be invaluable in developing conservation strategies.

This effort could also support the preservation and restoration of these remarkable ecosystems and their associated marine life in the region.
 

 


KSrelief continues water supply, healthcare project in Yemen

Updated 15 October 2024
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KSrelief continues water supply, healthcare project in Yemen

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its water supply and environmental sanitation project in Yemen, providing drinking and non-potable water to residents in stricken areas

At the Al-Khawkhah District of Hodeidah Governorate, the relief agency pumped 266,000 liters of non-potable water and 140,000 liters of drinking water during the week from September 11 to 17, state news agency SPA reported.

Twenty-four transfers were also carried out to remove waste from internally displaced persons camps, five operations were carried out to dry sewage water, 80 swamps were drained and eight emergency bathrooms were maintained.

In the Razih district of Saada governorate, about 23,400 liters of potable water were also distributed to residents during the mentioned period.

On the healthcare side, internal medicine experts saw 69 patients; infectious-diseases doctors treated 35 patients; emergency services attended to 23 cases while reproductive health doctors attended to seven patients. More than 60 nursing care patients were also attended to while 134 individuals have been provided with medicines.

Meanwhile, KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement with a civil society group to implement a program for children involved in conflict particularly in Marib Governorate and Seiyun in Hadhramaut Governorate.

The program will directly benefit 460 children, parents and members of community. The effort aims to reintegrate of youngsters with the provision of a safe shelter, in addition to psychological, social, health and educational support.

Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s Assistant General Supervisor, earlier met with Abdallah Alwardat, the UN World Food Programme’s Global Partner Countries Division Director, to discuss collaborative efforts to bolster food security for countries and populations in need worldwide.


Global leaders draft ambitious climate finance deal ahead of COP29

As the countdown to COP29 continues, the Azerbaijani presidency is pushing for a balanced outcome.
Updated 14 October 2024
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Global leaders draft ambitious climate finance deal ahead of COP29

  • A draft negotiating text will be published “imminently,” following a series of high-level meetings in Baku last week
  • It outlines a plan that could mobilize trillions of dollars in support for developing nations

RIYADH: Global leaders are drafting an ambitious climate finance deal to be finalized at the 29th Conference of the Parties, or COP29, as Azerbaijan’s presidency leads efforts to resolve critical gaps ahead of the November summit.

A draft negotiating text will be published “imminently,” following a series of high-level meetings in Baku last week, according to the COP29 presidency team.

It outlines a plan that could mobilize trillions of dollars in support for developing nations.

Central to the talks was the New Collective Quantified Goal, or NCQG, on climate finance, which aims to replace the existing $100 billion pledge that has long been deemed insufficient.

Azerbaijan’s Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, stating in a release that the funding needed to address climate change was “in the space of trillions” of dollars.

However, negotiations are steering towards a more realistic expectation of public sector contributions, which are likely to reach “hundreds of billions” annually.

The NCQG is critical in ensuring developing nations, particularly small island developing states and the least developed countries, receive the support they need to build resilience and reduce emissions.

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, addressing participants at the pre-COP conference, urged global leaders to move beyond blame and focus on collective action.

“As we are entering into the final stage of preparations for COP29, I call on you to engage constructively and in good faith for the sake of humanity,” Aliyev said.

“While states have common but differentiated responsibilities, they should put aside disagreements, stop blaming each other, and find common ground.

“We cannot afford to waste time on defining who is guilty for global warming, or who caused more environmental harm.”

These remarks reflect the urgency felt ahead of COP29, especially in light of the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

COP events have served as critical platforms for advancing this agenda since 2015, but the most recent Global Stocktake at COP28 revealed that the world is not on track to meet its targets.

Azerbaijan’s COP29 President-Designate, Mukhtar Babayev, highlighted the importance of addressing unresolved issues before November.

“We have done well to narrow down options, and the possible shapes of landing zones are coming into view. But we can clearly see the divides that the parties still need to bridge,” Babayev said.

He said that ministers must return to their capitals to secure the political mandates needed to push the negotiations forward.

“There is no excuse for anyone to arrive at COP29 without clear political support to make progress, as we urgently work to turn this draft into a deal,” he said.

The talks in Baku also explored the qualitative aspects of the NCQG, such as transparency, accessibility and accountability.

These elements are seen as vital to building trust among nations and ensuring the effective use of funds.

The pre-COP conference marked a crucial step in preparing a draft negotiating text for the new finance goal, which is expected to be published in the coming days.

This draft will set the stage for final negotiations at COP29, where a comprehensive climate finance package is anticipated.

In addition to finance, the discussions addressed broader initiatives such as climate transparency and energy resilience.

A new report, co-authored with the International Renewable Energy Agency, or IRENA, and other partners, was launched during the conference.

It tracks progress on energy goals set at COP28, particularly in relation to energy storage, with the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge aiming to boost installed capacity to 1,500 GW by 2030 — six times the level recorded in 2022.

As the countdown to COP29 continues, the Azerbaijani presidency is pushing for a balanced outcome that not only delivers on finance but also reinforces the commitments made under the Paris Agreement.


Arar farmers’ market to showcase Saudi produce, culture

Updated 14 October 2024
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Arar farmers’ market to showcase Saudi produce, culture

  • This initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to promote the sustainability of local production and develop all aspects of the culinary arts

RIYADH: The Culinary Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Northern Borders Region Municipality, will hold a farmers’ market from Oct. 17 to 19 in Al-Musaidiyah Park in Arar.

The market aims to support farmers and workers in the culinary sector by showcasing the region’s agricultural produce and distinguished gastronomic offerings, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Local produce, including dates, vegetables, and fruits, famous in the Northern Borders region, will be on display at the market.

An area will be dedicated to families working in the cottage industry where they can present notable dishes and beverages of the area, incorporating local produce.

There will also be accompanying activities, such as live music performances and children’s events, including face painting.

Through this event, the commission seeks to support the farmers’ market as a venue that contributes to the marketing of national products, both locally and globally, providing farmers with the opportunity to sell their products directly to consumers.

This initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to promote the sustainability of local production and develop all aspects of the culinary arts.

 


Riyadh mayor, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure, urban planning

Updated 14 October 2024
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Riyadh mayor, South Korean officials discuss infrastructure, urban planning

  • Visit has aimed to strengthen ties between Riyadh and South Korean cities

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf concluded his visit to South Korea to establish international partnerships, gain insights into urban development, and enhance quality of life through technology.

The visit included meetings to strengthen ties between Riyadh and South Korean cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

A memorandum of understanding was signed with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to enhance cooperation in smart city management, sustainable urban planning, and infrastructure development.

This agreement follows a Saudi Cabinet decision authorizing Prince Faisal to negotiate a draft MoU with the Seoul Metropolitan Government regarding urban management and operations.

The visit began with a meeting between Prince Faisal and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, followed by discussions with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Sangwoo Park on infrastructure development, urban planning, and expertise exchange.

Prince Faisal also met with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon to sign the MoU and with Gyeonggi Province Gov. Kim Dong-yeon to discuss sustainable urban development and municipal services.

At the global Mayors Forum during Smart Life Week in Seoul, the mayor highlighted Riyadh’s future initiatives. He attended the opening ceremony and visited an exhibition showcasing digital transformation and intelligent cities.

Prince Faisal toured the Seoul Transport Operation and Information Service to learn about intelligent transportation systems. He also met with leading Korean companies, including Naver and Samsung, and visited the Samsung museum.

During his visit, the mayor met with Saudi students in South Korea, encouraging them to excel academically to support Saudi Vision 2030.


Riyadh forum concludes with more than 290 schools honored

Updated 14 October 2024
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Riyadh forum concludes with more than 290 schools honored

  • Misk Schools first to receive accreditation at National Forum for School Excellence

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education and Training Evaluation Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, concluded the National Forum for School Excellence, also known as Excellence 2024, in Riyadh on Monday.

The forum, which celebrated over 290 schools for their achievements, highlighted Misk Schools as the first to receive accreditation under new national evaluation standards.

The event, which was held under the patronage of the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan and commission chairman Khalid Al-Sabti, showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Participants included educational leaders, university deans, and company representatives, as well as principals and directors of schools from across Saudi Arabia.

At the forefront of the event was Misk Schools, which became the first institution in the country to receive accreditation from the commission.

Steffen Sommer, director general of the academic institute, told Arab News: “This accreditation reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff and students.

“We are proud to set a new standard for educational excellence and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and innovation.”

Nada Al-Hegali, girls’ school principal at Misk, spoke to Arab News about the challenges faced during the process, saying: “The challenge was relocating to a new campus amid the accreditation process.”

Al-Hegali went on to describe how the team provided invaluable support, and the students showed their resilience during the move.  

The Excellence 2024 forum recognized schools based on results from external evaluations. Public, private, and international schools were all recognized for their contributions to raising educational standards.

The event also saw the signing of accreditation agreements between the commission, through its excellence center, and 18 schools, further cementing the importance of collaboration in driving the Kingdom’s educational reform.

Al-Benyan spoke of his optimism about the future of Saudi education, noting that the forum would serve as a catalyst for schools to embrace competition and excellence.

He added: “These recognitions are not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but a push for continued improvement in our education system.”

Al-Sabti echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of external evaluation in fostering a culture of quality.

He added: “The Excellence 2024 forum provides a national platform to strengthen the principles of educational excellence, ensuring that Saudi schools continue to align with international standards.”

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward fulfilling Vision 2030, the recognition of over 290 schools not only highlights the progress made so far, but also sets the stage for future improvements.

Schools like Misk, with its focus on innovation, are paving the way for others to follow.