Delta International Coral Restoration Symposium: A Global Initiative for Coral Conservation

On August 21, 2025, the Delta International Coral Restoration Symposium took place at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung, marking a significant milestone in global marine conservation efforts. This symposium saw the participation of twelve prominent conservation organizations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the renowned Mote Marine Laboratory from the United States. The event turned the spotlight on innovative applications in coral conservation, focusing particularly on technology and practical solutions to existing ecological challenges.

Over the course of two days, leading experts from various countries presented on a wide array of topics. A total of 14 scholars from eight nations shared their insights into the latest trends in coral ecology and conservation. Highlights included discussions on AI-driven coral survey methods and the use of large-scale imaging techniques to create digital twins of coral ecosystems. This demonstrates the potential for technology to address pressing environmental issues in a more effective manner.

Shan-Shan Guo, Vice Chairman of the Delta Electronics Foundation, emphasized the urgency for action due to severe coral bleaching caused by global marine heatwaves, which have affected 84% of coral reefs across 82 countries since 2023. "Delta is dedicated to restoring coral populations through our initiatives and technologies. To date, we have successfully restored 10,000 corals, with a plan to conserve around 300 species—over half of those in the Pacific Ocean—over the next five years," Guo stated.

The symposium also highlighted Delta's cutting-edge collaborative robot solutions aimed at facilitating the cultivation of heat-resistant coral species. These innovative strategies showcase how technology can merge with ecological restoration, proving invaluable in the fight to save marine biodiversity.

In attendance were other notable marine conservation entities, including the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University, and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Each group brought unique experiences and perspectives to the discussions, contributing to a rich knowledge exchange that promises to enhance global coral restoration efforts.

Notably, Dr. Jason Spadaro from the Mote Marine Laboratory spoke about the role of AI in evaluating coral habitats and its implications for transplantation. Likewise, Dr. Stuart Sandin from UC San Diego highlighted the use of large-area imaging technology to obtain 3D models of coral, enabling scientists to monitor ecological changes effectively.

The symposium did more than just share knowledge; it fostered collaborative partnerships that can lead to innovative solutions. Delta's commitment to establishing cross-border connections within the coral research and restoration community is aimed at amplifying efforts in species conservation and biodiversity.

One of the practical outcomes of the symposium was the introduction to heat-resistant corals, which can maintain 50% photosynthetic efficiency at temperatures reaching up to 37°C. Delta's ongoing research includes efforts to identify and cultivate coral species that are more resilient to climate change through advanced robot-assisted techniques, surpassing traditional manual methods.

Additionally, the event featured a special screening of the 8K documentary "The Coral Gardeners," which highlights how technology plays a vital role in coral restoration efforts worldwide. This visual narrative aims to inspire and educate stakeholders about the ongoing challenges and innovative solutions in marine conservation.

The Delta International Coral Restoration Symposium represents a crucial step towards uniting global efforts in tackling the pressing threats to coral ecosystems. By merging traditional conservation practices with groundbreaking technological advancements, this initiative is setting a proactive agenda for the world's coral reefs. As the event concluded, attendees departed with renewed motivation and actionable insights, making a collective commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity for generations to come.