URB, a global leader in developing sustainable cities, has unveiled ‘Dubai Reefs’, a floating living lab for marine restoration and ecotourism, which aims to generate more than 30,000 jobs in a green economy.

 

Dubai Reefs consists of a sustainable floating community for marine research, regeneration and ecotourism. The project includes residential, hospitality, retail, educational and research facilities.

 

The marine institute will be the heart of the project, working towards greater protection of the marine and coastal environment of Dubai. It aims to accelerate the marine science and conservation capacity of Dubai, whilst building the most diverse artificial reef, covering 200 square kilometres. It also aims to create a home to more than 1 billion corals and 100 million mangrove trees.

 

Marine tourism

The project will offer unique experiences in marine ecotourism with various floating eco lodges, all of which are powered by 100% renewable energy from various types of solar and hydropower. These include wave farms that will also produce additional clean energy for Dubai’s growing population. Regenerative Ocean Farming is another key feature of the project, which is a climate friendly food production technique.

 

CEO of URB, Baharash Bagherian, said: “The health of our cities is intrinsically tied to the health of our oceans. The ocean is the source of life controlling everything. Given that everything on our planet is connected, a healthy ocean is a healthy city. Our ocean will be entirely different by the end of the century if we don’t take action today. 

 

“We need an entrepreneurial spirit in the planning of coastal cities and the types of infrastructure as well as developments that are linked to the ocean. As an innovative coastal city, Dubai is best positioned to lead such a transformation. Beyond creating a unique resilient destination for ecotourism and marine research, Dubai Reefs aims to become a blueprint for ocean living, whilst mitigating the impacts of climate change.”

 

Ultimately, Dubai Reefs will promote social, environmental and economic benefits. It aims to transform Dubai into an eco-destination, where the ocean and the city thrive in balance.-- TradeArabia News Service