Red Sea Global has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to produce a documentary that highlights the critical fight against climate change’s impacts on coral reefs. “Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals” is set to broadcast on Discovery Channel on Earth Day (22 April 2024), illustrating the urgent need for global efforts to combat coral bleaching and protect these vulnerable marine ecosystems.
The documentary addresses the phenomenon of coral bleaching, a stress response caused by rising sea temperatures which leads to corals expelling the algae that give them colour and life. This issue not only threatens the diverse marine life that depends on coral reefs but also jeopardises the health of our oceans globally. In light of this, the film showcases RSG’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development through innovative coral conservation initiatives.
“At Red Sea Global, we are inspired by nature and led by science. Our destinations are home to some of the most stunning corals anywhere in the world. They are also among the most resilient, but even Red Sea coral is not invincible. Our scientists are using innovative techniques to protect, nourish, and restore our corals, while also transferring knowledge to support coral reefs worldwide,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global.
The film also follows Saudi Arabian free diver Salma Shaker (pictured above) as she uncovers RSG and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s (KAUST) cutting-edge coral research. These insights are paralleled with fieldwork in coral habitats as far away as Mexico, emphasising the global nature of coral conservation.
Moreover, the documentary aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its sustainability goals. RSG’s initiatives are part of broader efforts to develop eco-friendly tourism and infrastructure that minimise environmental footprints and promote sustainable development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“In ‘Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals’, we aim to spotlight the beauty and vulnerability of these underwater wonders and emphasise the importance of global collaboration in preserving our oceans,” said John Pagano.
Kerrie McEvoy, Director at Warner Bros. Discovery, commented on the documentary’s role in advocacy: “Warner Bros. Discovery is proud to partner with Red Sea Global on Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals. As a company, we believe in the power of storytelling to entertain and inspire change, and this film exemplifies that commitment.”
“Beneath the Surface” not only covers RSG’s efforts but also delves into the uncharted coral reefs along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, revealing the area’s unique biodiversity and its vital role in the global ecosystem. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious project to showcase and protect its natural heritage while fostering international cooperation in marine conservation.
The documentary is poised to raise awareness and prompt global action against the threats to coral reefs, mirroring the urgent environmental sustainability goals set by Saudi Arabia and the global community. It will premiere across various regions including the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, following a teaser reveal at COP28 in Dubai.
Marine robotics at the aid of coral reefs
In December, RSG announced it was piloting SubSLAM, an advanced photogrammetry technology developed by VAARST, a leader in marine robotics. This technology is being used to produce high-resolution, 3D digital representations of Al Wajh Lagoon’s coral reefs and vital habitats.
This state-of-the-art system is the most accurate underwater 3D real-time measurement system available on the market. VAARST’s photogrammetry and real-time intelligent data collection system are transforming how underwater ecosystems are mapped and preserved. This marks a first in Saudi Arabia and is a testament to RSG’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative tourism.
SubSLAM’s capabilities enable precise quantification and identification of corals and underwater objects using advanced 4K sensors. This technology guides remotely operated vehicles in detailed habitat inspections, comparing current and past imagery to monitor changes and promote biodiversity.
This technology also empowers RSG’s scientists, in collaboration with King AbdulAziz University in Jeddah, to rapidly identify and classify marine species without the arduous task of reviewing hours of footage. Furthermore, it effectively eliminates the risk of human error caused by fatigue.
This proactive approach is vital for addressing challenges like coral bleaching and invasive species, ensuring the Red Sea’s beauty and diversity remain intact for visitors.
Regenerating oceans is central to RSG’s mission for a regenerative future. The developer recently unveiled its Coral Commitment to safeguard and regenerate corals in the Red Sea and beyond. This significant initiative, announced on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai aboard the Ocean Xplorer vessel, included the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). At the same time, RSG launched the new brand for its marine life institute at Amaala, Corallium, and shared the successful outcomes of the first phase of its Coral Gardening Pilot Project, marking a significant step towards marine conservation.
The Red Sea destination recently welcomed its first guests. Two of its hotels are open for bookings and the Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of flights since September. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.
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Read also: FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO RED SEA INTERNATIONAL
