A new study uses the UNet++ deep learning model and Sentinel-2 satellite data to monitor mangrove dynamics in the UAE from 2017 to 2024. The model achieved a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 87.8% on the validation set. Results indicate a significant increase in mangrove area, primarily in Abu Dhabi, contributing to enhanced carbon sequestration across the UAE.
The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) and KAUST have signed a Master Research Agreement (MRA) to collaborate on sustainability research. Prior collaborations included flora and fauna assessments and the Brains-for-Brine Challenge. The MRA focuses on marine environments, waste management, food production, energy conservation, and carbon sequestration. Why it matters: This partnership aims to develop regenerative tourism practices, preserve the Red Sea's biodiversity, and establish a model for sustainable tourism in the region.
KAUST researchers from the Red Sea Research Center (RSRC) and Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC) found macroalgae DNA prevalent in the open ocean, up to 5,000 km from coastal areas. 69% of drifting macroalgae sinks below 1,000 m depth, sequestering carbon in deep ocean waters. The study used metagenomes generated by global ocean expeditions Tara Oceans and Malaspina, analyzed via KAUST's DMAP platform and Shaheen supercomputer. Why it matters: The findings confirm the role of macroalgae in carbon sequestration, highlighting their importance in blue carbon assessments for climate change mitigation and underscoring KAUST's contribution to environmental sustainability research.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) and KAUST have launched the SAUDINet initiative. The initiative aims to advance terrestrial ecology research in Saudi Arabia, focusing on restoring degraded lands, enhancing carbon sequestration and preserving biodiversity. NCVC’s workforce will receive specialized training in biodiversity monitoring and ecological sampling, with samples analyzed in KAUST’s labs. Why it matters: The partnership aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the study of arid ecosystems and address the lack of data from hyper-arid lands in climate models.
KAUST researchers Carlos Preckler and Diego Rivera participated in Saudi Arabia's first scientific mission to Antarctica from January 11 to February 27. They collected ocean samples to study how whale populations mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration. The team aims to quantify the impact of whales on carbon capture and correlate whale population dynamics with carbon sequestration over the past 400 years. Why it matters: This research provides valuable insights into the economic benefits of whale conservation and contributes to global efforts in understanding the role of marine ecosystems in climate change mitigation.
A KAUST scientist led a global call for climate solutions, published simultaneously by 14 academic journals and released at COP29. The publication, prepared by 18 scientists, urges international governments to deploy microbial 'vaccines' against climate change. Six simple 'vaccine' examples are outlined, including carbon sequestration boosters and methane busters. Why it matters: This coordinated effort highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and KAUST's leading role in microbial solutions.
KAUST's Hydrology, Agriculture and Land Observation Lab (HALO) uses remote sensing tools like drones to map and monitor agricultural sites, including one of the world's largest olive farms in Al Jouf. They also collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia and the Center for Desert Agriculture. HALO's mangrove project focuses on carbon sequestration by Avicennia marina mangroves in the Red Sea as part of the KAUST Circular Carbon Initiative. Why it matters: This research contributes to understanding and promoting the conservation of mangrove ecosystems for carbon neutrality in line with Saudi Arabia's sustainability goals.
KAUST Professor Carlos Duarte gave a TED Talk on seagrass, highlighting their importance as marine ecosystems. His research focuses on Zostera marina, the first marine angiosperm to be fully sequenced. Duarte's team discovered massive clones of Posidonia oceanica in the Spanish Mediterranean, estimated to be 200,000 years old, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration. Why it matters: This research underscores the potential of seagrass in mitigating climate change and protecting coastal regions, emphasizing KAUST's contribution to marine science and environmental sustainability.