14 hours ago
Canon Supports Seychelles Coral Restoration Project
Home » Green Tech » Canon Supports Seychelles Coral Restoration Project
Canon EMEA has announced a new partnership with Nature Seychelles and the Coral Spawning Lab (CSL) to support coral reef restoration in the Western Indian Ocean. The collaboration establishes the first coral breeding lab of its kind in the region.
The initiative aims to restore and protect Seychelles' coral reefs against climate change. It introduces advanced methods of coral regeneration and genetic diversity through land-based aquaculture.
Canon will invest in building and operating the facility, as well as provide state-of-the-art imaging technology. This equipment will enhance documentation, education, and citizen science by capturing coral spawning in unprecedented detail.
The new coral breeding facility will strengthen Nature Seychelles' Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) programme. The ARC facility focuses on creating genetically diverse coral species capable of withstanding climate stress.
Canon's contribution will also support photomicrography, photogrammetry, and the production of high-resolution visuals for scientific use and public awareness.
Key aspects of the partnership include: A genetic bank of resilient coral species
Imaging tools for coral research and awareness
On-ground training provided by UK-based CSL experts
Dr. Nirmal Shah, CEO of Nature Seychelles, stated that the project moves beyond traditional 'coral gardening,' which results in genetically identical corals. Instead, it focuses on diversity, which is essential for resilience.
Dr. Jamie Craggs, co-founder of CSL, emphasized the importance of combining scientific innovation with Canon's imaging expertise to raise global awareness and improve conservation outcomes.
Peter Bragg, Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at Canon EMEA, reaffirmed Canon's commitment to biodiversity. He highlighted the role of imaging technology in empowering communities and promoting conservation efforts.
Canon's involvement aligns with its broader sustainability goals and mission to support environmental protection using imaging tools from cameras to satellite systems.
This collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the long-term health of Seychelles' coral ecosystems, which are vital to the country's economy, biodiversity, and coastal protection.
