Ecosystem restoration takes a leap forward with new tech

From the newsletter

Nature Seychelles has launched a solar-powered Assisted Recovery of Corals (ARC) Facility on Praslin Island. This land-based aquaculture facility, located at the Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness and Learning, is the first of its kind in Africa. It focuses on coral reef restoration using macro-fragmentation and controlled sexual reproduction techniques.

• Seagrasses and mangroves, like corals, can be fragmented and replanted to restore degraded coastal ecosystems. Microfragmentation, which involves using smaller pieces, may accelerate the restoration process. The restoration of seagrass and mangroves aims to recover degraded habitats and reinstate lost coastal ecosystem functions.

• Controlled sexual reproduction techniques are essential for wildlife conservation in Africa, where the risk of extinction is high. These methods enhance reproductive success and genetic diversity in managed populations. Techniques such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation, and cryopreservation are examples of these methods. Currently, advanced assisted reproductive technologies are being explored for species such as the northern white rhinoceros and African wild dogs.

More details

• Construction of the ARC facility began in November 2024, following the completion of planning and environmental requirements. These prerequisites included an Environmental Impact Assessment, roadworks for pipeline installation, aquaculture licensing and community consultations. By February 2025, the buildings were 75 percent complete, with tanks and specialist equipment installed.

• Utilising micro-fragmentation and sexual reproduction methods, the facility aims to accelerate coral growth rates for slow-growing species. Corals cultivated at ARC are intended for large-scale restoration efforts and potential export to the global aquarium trade. The corals will undergo temperature resilience testing to identify strains capable of withstanding rising sea temperatures. Additionally, the facility will function as a research lab, training centre, coral bank and public education space.

• The total cost of the project was approximately $380,000. Funding was obtained from the Adaptation Fund via the United Nations Development Programme, the Seychelles Government, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust, and the private logistics company CMA CGM Group. Further private sector investment was utilised to bridge initial budget gaps. The first batch of corals grown at ARC is expected to be ready for transplanting into ocean nurseries by July 2025.

• Like corals, mangroves can be fragmented and replanted to support habitat recovery and coastal resilience. Successful restoration requires hydrological adjustments, such as reconnecting tidal flows or modifying site elevation. It is crucial to re-establish correct water levels that align with local tidal patterns. In some instances, replanting is necessary, using propagules or nursery-grown seedlings. Fragmented sections are placed strategically to promote regrowth and natural recruitment.

• Seagrasses can also be restored through fragmentation, seeding, or transplantation methods. The restoration process may begin with improving site conditions, such as water quality. When natural recovery is slow, seagrass shoots or seedlings sourced from healthy donor beds or cultivated in laboratories can be manually planted. Seeding can occur independently or alongside transplantation. Post-planting monitoring evaluates transplant survival, shoot density, and overall coverage.

• Assisted Reproductive Technologies, including cryopreservation, artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilisation, and embryo transfer, have significantly advanced animal breeding. These techniques are crucial for the conservation of both threatened wildlife and domestic species. While primarily utilised in Ethiopia to boost cattle productivity, their wider conservation potential remains largely untapped despite the increasing demand for genetic preservation solutions.

• Incorporating reproductive technologies into animal conservation strategies could enhance efforts to protect genetic diversity. Cryopreservation allows for the long-term storage of genetic material, which can be used in future breeding and restoration programmes. For these technologies to be effective, they should complement in-situ (conserving species in their natural habitat) methods, thereby aiding the recovery of threatened species. A broader adoption of advanced reproductive tools is necessary to ensure the survival of endangered animal populations within vulnerable ecosystems.

• In Kenya, scientists are employing assisted reproductive technologies to save the nearly extinct northern white rhino. With only two infertile females remaining, embryos have been created using stored sperm from Sudan, the last male. These embryos will be implanted into southern white rhino surrogates to establish a new herd, offering hope for the species' restoration through advanced conservation science.

• Cryopreservation of sperm provides critical support for African wild dog conservation. It facilitates artificial insemination without the need to transport animals, thereby reducing stress and the risk of disease. Despite challenges such as contamination from egg-yolk-based extenders, efforts to improve semen preservation are ongoing. These technologies are vital for managing small, fragmented populations, supporting genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of this endangered carnivore species.

Our take

• Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) are important for wildlife conservation across Africa, extending their benefits beyond coral reefs to critically endangered terrestrial species. Techniques such as cryopreservation and embryo transfer enable scientists to preserve and propagate the genetics of species at risk of extinction.

• These methods help reduce reliance on dwindling wild populations while protecting biodiversity for future restoration initiatives. It is essential to note that ARTs should complement, rather than replace, in-situ conservation efforts. Initiatives like gene banking and reproductive laboratories throughout Africa can collaborate with forest management organisations to synchronise breeding programmes with habitat restoration.

• The strategic application of ARTs can facilitate the reintroduction of genetically diverse individuals into forests threatened by logging and agriculture, thereby strengthening ecosystem stability.