A new study published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity calls for accelerated global efforts to develop and apply coral assisted evolution strategies as climate change continues to threaten reef ecosystems worldwide.

Co-authored by KAUST researchers Carlos Duarte, Manuel Aranda, Raquel Peixoto, and David Suggett, the paper explores how approaches such as assisted evolution, selective breeding, and microbiome-based interventions could help strengthen coral resilience to increasingly frequent marine heatwaves.

While conventional conservation measures remain essential, the authors argue that they should be complemented by innovative, science-based solutions that can keep pace with environmental change. The study highlights the need for greater international collaboration, faster translation of research into practice, and increased investment in scalable restoration tools.

Drawing on insights from the Red Sea, the work underscores the growing role of KAUST in advancing solutions to support coral reef conservation and restoration around the world.

Please read more at:
https://bese.kaust.edu.sa/news/detail/2026/05/21/kaust-researchers-call-for-accelerated-global-action-to-safeguard-coral-reefs-under-climate-change