Dubai launches reef project to boost marine life, eco-tourism and fishermen’s livelihoods – The National

Dubai launches reef project to boost marine life, eco-tourism and fishermen’s livelihoods – The National

Dubai has launched a coral reef project for marine restoration that will increase sea life eight-fold, improve the sustainability of fishermen’s livelihoods and attract eco-tourism.The Dubai Reef project, which was announced at Cop28 on Friday, will span 600 square kilometres of the emirate’s waters, with the design of the coral reefs exceeding 400,000 cubic metres in total volume, Helal Al Marri, director-general of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said during a session at the Business an Philanthropy Climate Forum.The project will operate on a public-private partnership model where the government has contributed 10 per cent of the investment and has secured commitments for more than 50 per cent of the funding, Mr Al Marri said.“We worked with the best minds to look at coral reef restoration and how to rebuild the coral environment and ensure it makes a difference,” he said.“What we would hope is that this successful model makes it very bankable for other communities around the world.”The project is part of Dubai’s efforts to increase fish stocks, support sustainable fishing and help boost food security, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office on Friday.Dubai Reef will also help to reduce carbon emissions and increase