Coral farms emerge in Venezuela to combat climate change

Venezuela has launched a groundbreaking coral conservation effort with underwater coral farms aimed at countering the devastating effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.

In the San Esteban National Park, located on Santo Domingo Island in Carabobo state, at least six species of stony corals are being cultivated in specially designed underwater structures. This initiative, led by the Marine Pillars Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecosocialism, focuses on rehabilitating coral reefs impacted by global warming, acidification, and diseases.

"The corals are bleaching due to ecosystem diseases, acidification, and primarily global warming. Shallow corals at depths of 1-3 meters are the most vulnerable," said Jesús Alvarado, director of the Marine Pillars Foundation, which manages the coral farm project.

The project, initiated two years ago, involves placing small coral fragments on tree-shaped structures spread across 300 square meters on the seabed. Once these fragments grow to around 40 centimeters, they are replanted in damaged reefs to aid their recovery.

As of 2024, the project has successfully planted 2,500 fragments of Porites class corals, one of the most common species in tropical oceans. This initiative underscores Venezuela's commitment to marine conservation and the fight against climate change.

By cultivating and replanting resilient corals, the project aims to restore critical reef ecosystems, offering hope for the future of marine biodiversity in the region.

Reuters