The G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) and ACWA Power are proud to announce the signing of an agreement to collaborate on innovative solutions for coral conservation and restoration.
The formal agreement was signed by Professor Carlos Duarte, the CEO of CORDAP Foundation, and Mr. Marco Arcelli, the Chief Executive Officer at ACWA Power, at COP16 in Riyadh. Ther partnership marks the launch of the ACWA Power Coral Spark Collaboration – a 3+ year commitment underscored by over US$ 3 million to support CORDAP’s mission to restore and revive the world’s corals for future generations.
All across the globe, corals and coral reefs are experiencing a major decline. Since 1950, over two-thirds of the world’s reefs have already been lost due to human activity. Presently, 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction. This new partnership between CORDAP and ACWA Power aims at reversing these numbers by channelling resources and funds into research and innovation projects and programs that actively contribute to coral restoration, conservation and education.
Highlights of the partnership:
- Research and Development: Funding cutting-edge projects such as the establishment of the Global Coral Cryopreservation Network and the CLEAN REEFS project, a dynamic tool for pollution mapping and risk assessment.
- Capacity Development: Launching learning and development programs in collaboration with the Energy & Water Academy (EWA), offering fellowship programs, workshops, and training for future coral conservation leaders.
- Awareness Campaigns: Organizing interactive roadshows in Saudi Arabia to educate communities on the critical challenges facing coral reefs and CORDAP’s conservation efforts.
The agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding, sets the stage for impactful collaboration, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to address the critical challenges facing coral reefs today. Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Carlos Duarte, CEO of the CORDAP Foundation, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“The alarming rate at which we are losing corals demands immediate and decisive action. What we once anticipated for the distant future is already upon us—tomorrow is today. This partnership between CORDAP and ACWA Power symbolizes the leadership needed to respond to this crisis with innovation and purpose. By combining cutting-edge technology with transformative projects, we are not only addressing the challenges of today but also ensuring a future where coral reefs—and the countless lives they support—can thrive. There is no time to wait; the time to act is now.”
Dr. Rusha Alrawaf, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at ACWA Power, also present at the event added:
“As a leader in sustainable water and power solutions, ACWA Power recognises the critical importance of preserving our planet’s ecosystems and supporting local communities. This initiative aligns with our broader mission of sustainable development and showcases how private-sector engagement can drive positive environmental and social change at multiple levels. Our partnership with CORDAP underscores our dedication to harnessing innovation and collaboration to restore and protect the world’s coral reefs.”
Eng. Hani Ashqar, Managing Director of the CORDAP Foundation reinforced:
“CORDAP & ACWA Power are combining forces to protect our precious corals and reefs for the preservation of biodiversity. By uniting ACWA Power’s strengths in sustainable development with CORDAP’s expertise in coral science, we’re accelerating solutions to restore these vital ecosystems before it’s too late. Our joint R&D, capacity building, awareness and entrepreneurship programs will foster a “CORAL Spark” movement to restore and revive these vital ecosystems. We’re saving corals and building a future where they thrive for generations to come.”
With coral reefs worldwide under increasing threat from climate change and human activity, this partnership represents a crucial milestone in the global effort to preserve marine biodiversity worldwide.
Photo: Green and pink reef scene from American Samoa, Swains Island. Credits: NOAA/NMFS/PIFSC/CRED, Oceanography Team (CC BY 2.0).
About CORDAP:
The G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform Foundation (CORDAP) was established by G20 countries and is the only international organization fully dedicated to funding global research and development for tropical and cold-water coral restoration and conservation. CORDAP Foundation is the financial arm of the G20 CORDAP. It is committed to secure funding streams, including donations, grants, and financial support from both public and private sectors. Learn more: cordap.org
About ACWA Power:
ACWA Power (TADAWUL:2082) is a Saudi-listed company and the world’s largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a leader in energy transition. Registered and established in 2004 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ACWA Power employs over 4,000 people and is currently present in 13 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. ACWA Power’s portfolio comprises 90 projects in operation, advanced development, or construction with an investment value of SAR 353.77 billion (USD 94.3 billion) and the capacity to generate 65.6 GW of power and manage 8.1 million m3/day of desalinated water per day. This energy and water are delivered on a bulk basis to address the needs of state utilities and industries on long-term, off-taker contracts under utility services outsourcing and public-private partnership models. Learn more: www.acwapower.com
Media Contact (CORDAP):
Carla Lourenco, Communications Specialist, carla.lourenco@kaust.edu.sa
Media contacts (ACWA Power):
Yahya Hamidaddin, Executive Director – Media Affairs & External Comms – YHamidaddin@acwapower.com
Mohammed Al Hasan, Media Lead – Media Affairs & External Comms – Moalhasan@acwapower.com