Medical Wastes in GCC

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There has been a growing awareness of the need for safe management of medical waste all over the world. Medical Waste are generated by all health sectors including hospitals, laboratories, diagnostic and research centers, dental and medical clinics, blood banks, mortuaries and autopsy centres, veterinary hospitals, industrial laboratories etc. Medical wastes which pose the greatest risk to human health are infectious waste (or hazardous medical waste) which constitutes 15 – 25 percent of total healthcare waste.

Infectious wastes may include all waste items that are contaminated with or suspected of being contaminated with body fluids such as blood and blood products, used catheters and gloves, cultures and stocks of infectious agents, wound dressings, nappies, discarded diagnostic samples, contaminated materials (swabs, bandages, and gauze), disposal medical devices, contaminated laboratory animals etc.

The quantity of waste produced in a hospital depends on the level of national income and the type of facility concerned. A university hospital in a high-income country can produce up to 10 kg of waste per bed per day, all categories combined.

Medical Waste in the GCC

Healthcare sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council continues to grow at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to big increase in the quantity of waste generated by hospitals, clinics and other establishments. According to conservative estimates, more than 150 tons of medical waste is generated in GCC countries every day.

Saudi Arabia leads the pack with daily healthcare waste generation of more than 80 tons. As far as UAE is concerned, approximately 21.5 tons per day of medical waste are generated in the UAE, out of which 12 tons per day is produced by Abu Dhabi alone. Kuwait produces around 12 tons while Bahrain generates 7 tons of hazardous medical waste daily.

These figures are indicative of the magnitude of the problem faced by municipal authorities in dealing with medical waste disposal problem across GCC. The growing amount of medical wastes is posing significant public health and environmental challenges in major cities of the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, and lack of research on medical waste management.

Medical Waste Generation in Some GCC Countries

Country Medical Wastes (tons per day)
Saudi Arabia 80
UAE 21.5
Kuwait 12
Bahrain 7

Need for Medical Waste Management Strategy

Improper management of healthcare wastes from hospitals, clinics and other facilities in GCC countries pose occupational and public health risks to patients, health workers, waste handlers, haulers and general public. It may also lead to contamination of air, water and soil which may affect all forms of life. In addition, if waste is not disposed of properly, members of the community may have an opportunity to collect disposable medical equipment (particularly syringes) and to resell these materials which may cause dangerous diseases.

According to World Health Organization, hospital-associated infections (HAI) affect approximately 5% of hospitalized patients.The complexity of infectious healthcare waste problems and the recent rise in the incidence of diseases such as AIDS, SARS and Hepatitis B open up greater risk of contamination through mishandling and unsafe disposal practices.

Inadequate waste management can cause environmental pollution, growth and multiplication of vectors like insects, rodents and worms and may lead to the transmission of diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and AIDS through injuries from syringes and needles contaminated with human. In addition to health risks associated with poor management of medical waste, consideration must also be given to the impact on environment, especially to the risks of pollution of water, air and soil.

The situation is further complicated by the extreme climatic and environmental conditions of the region, which makes medical waste disposal in developing countries more challenging. Since medical waste is more dangerous than ordinary trash, it is imperative on governments and private companies in GCC countries to devise a successful hospital waste management program and make use of modern medical waste treatment technologies to avoid the spread of diseases and to protect the environment.

How Easy Can Be To Store Data With A Data Environment

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The term data environment means an environment where data is collected, stored, and analyzed using computer technology. This is quite different to a traditional office environment where people are hired to use their brains, rather than their fingers, to achieve results. In today’s information age, organizations increasingly need to find ways of collecting, storing and analyzing vast amounts of data.

benefits of common data environment

This environment can be created by setting up a specialized room, or space, in your company, such as a data center or an IT department. In addition to this, you should ensure that the appropriate software and hardware are available for the tasks you have been asked to perform. You should also set up policies and procedures so that employees follow the correct processes.

To ensure the data environment is working effectively, you must monitor how it is being used and how it affects the overall performance of your organization. You can do this by reviewing statistics, for example, or by monitoring the productivity of each individual who works in the data environment.

Data Environment can benefit a company

A data environment such as Delphix enables you to collect, store and analyze data. As data volumes grow, so does the need to store and manage it. The ability to analyze data gives you an insight into how your organization is performing. When you know exactly what you are doing wrong and how you can improve, you will be able to fix problems and implement solutions that will help the business.

You can also use data to identify patterns in customer buying behavior. You can then adapt the products or services you offer to meet customer needs and increase sales.

Does the data environment cost a lot of money?

In most cases, setting up a data environment is fairly straightforward. Once you have designed your environment, you can purchase the necessary equipment and hire the people you require.

However, there are many factors that affect the total cost of running a data environment. These include the size of your organization, the volume of data you wish to manage and the complexity of the analysis you are conducting. A good data environment consultant will be able to provide you with a detailed cost estimate.

Types of data environments

There are five main types of data environment: central data environments, decentralized data environments, public data environment, private data environment and hybrid data environment.

  • Central data environments: Used when there is a single location where the majority of the data is stored. An example of this is a centralized data center.
  • Decentralized data environments: Typically used when the data needs to be accessed from a number of different locations. For example, a business might collect data from employees’ personal computers and store it on a network file server.
  • Public Data Environment: Data environment used by a business for public access. These data environments are commonly associated with consumer-facing web sites such as retail sites, search engines, etc.
  • Private Data Environment: Data environment used by a business for internal or secure access. The most common example is the enterprise database that stores sensitive business information.
  • Hybrid Data Environment: Data environment that allows for both public and private access. An example of this type of data environment is a web application that is accessible to the public via a public URL but has limited functionality that requires authentication.

Role of security in Data Environments

There are two main goals that data environments must serve. These are:

  • to protect against loss or damage to data, and
  • to provide assurance to business partners that the data is properly secured.

In addition, data environments must be resilient and must be able to support the business’s growth and expansion plans.

To achieve these goals, data environments should meet certain minimum requirements. For instance, they need to be able to store a reasonable amount of data in a reasonable amount of time. Data environments also need to be capable of performing basic functions such as indexing, searching, sorting, and retrieving data. Finally, data environments should be able to provide audit logs and audit trails for historical analysis.

Data environments play an integral role in ensuring the integrity of business data and protecting it from unauthorized users. To this end, the following features are required of data environments.

  • Data Security: Ensuring that data is encrypted while in transit and at rest and limiting the exposure of data.
  • Data Protection: Ensuring that data is backed up and stored in a safe location.
  • Compliance: Maintaining compliance with laws and regulations governing privacy and security.
  • Resilience: Ensuring that data can be accessed and used in the event of an outage.
  • Backup: Ensuring that backups are performed as frequently as possible.
  • Integrity: Ensuring that data is accurate, complete, and reliable.
  • Availability: Ensuring that data is available to users at all times.

Types of data security

The different types of data security include:

  1. Physical Data Security: The process of securing a physical location where data is stored. This includes such things as restricting access to the physical building, restricting access to the physical storage facility, and enforcing access controls.
  2. Logical Data Security: The process of securing data within the confines of a computer system. Logical security can be implemented using both hardware and software.

Data Security impacts the design of Data Environment

In a data environment, there are two main concerns:

  • Security: Ensuring that data is properly secured and protected from unauthorized access.
  • Data Privacy: Ensuring that users’ personal data remains private.

Because the two goals are related to each other, it is critical that the data environment address both of these issues. To this end, the data environment needs to have the following components.

  • Authentication and Authorization: Ensuring that only authorized users can access data.
  • Encryption: Ensuring that data is properly secured while in transit and at rest.
  • Auditing: Ensuring that access to data is properly monitored and recorded.
  • Backup: Ensuring that data is properly backed up and stored in a safe location.
  • Compliance: Ensuring that data is accurate, complete, and reliable.
  • Integrity: Ensuring that data is available to users at all times.
  • Availability: Ensuring that data is available to users at all times.
  • Security-by-Design: Ensuring that security is built in to the data environment.

Common Data Environment

We use ‘common data environment’ (CDE) for referring to a single, common data store across multiple data sources, such as CRM, eCRM, business applications and data warehouses. CDE offers a common database, and this allows integration between different applications. In addition, it allows multiple applications to share and synchronize data efficiently.

big-data

CDE should not be confused with other commonly used terms such as “data warehouse” or “data mart.” The term data warehouse usually refers to a complete data solution that provides the capability to perform complex queries across several databases. Data marts are usually a subset of information that is extracted from large data stores. A data mart is generally used to provide a specific set of data for a particular application. A CDE is designed to support the requirements of various applications within a specific organizational structure.

The main advantage of a CDE is that it provides a centralized database to hold the customer information, which is accessed by many applications. This reduces the requirement to store and maintain multiple copies of the same customer information across different applications. As customers often use multiple channels to interact with a company, having a single point of reference to record interactions helps reduce duplication of effort and data entry.

Types of CDE

A CDE can be a standalone data repository, or a part of the core business applications. It can also be a separate data warehouse or a subset of information contained in the data warehouse.

There are four types of CDEs based on their structure and the underlying technology they are implemented on:

  1. Common Data Access Layer (CDAL): It provides a common interface and enables the applications to access the data from the data source.
  2. Common Data Repository (CDR): It is a logical data repository.
  3. Common Data Store (CDS): It is a physical data store and is a layer of abstraction that hides the differences in the underlying storage media.
  4. Common Business Application Infrastructure (CBAPI): It is a framework that supports the development of the business applications.

Benefits of using CDE

  • Data is managed at the highest level, in a consistent manner.
  • Data is easily shared and synchronized among the applications.
  • Centralized, updated information is always available.
  • Changes to the data in a CDE are propagated to all the applications.
  • Data is stored in one location for quick retrieval.
  • There is no need to duplicate or replicate data.
  • It is easy to expand the CDE by adding new applications, or by adding more data sources.

Disadvantages of using CDE

  • CDEs are expensive, requiring specialized skills and tools.
  • They may require significant changes to the existing business systems.
  • They may be difficult to implement.
  • It may be difficult to manage and control data within the CDE.

CDE is a powerful tool, and it has tremendous benefits for any organization. However, implementing a CDE requires a lot of planning and careful planning.

Evolution of International Environmental Law on Biodiversity Conservation

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International environmental law on biodiversity conservation has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a fragmented approach focused on a few commercially important species to a comprehensive, holistic framework. This evolution reflects a growing global awareness of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the profound threat posed by biodiversity loss. This article traces the key milestones in this journey, from early species-specific regulations to the ambitious goals set for 2025.

biodiversity conservation

Early Species-Specific Regulations and Frameworks (1940s–1980s)

The initial efforts in international biodiversity law were reactive, primarily aiming to manage the exploitation of economically valuable species. The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1946) established the International Whaling Commission (IWC) to oversee whale stocks. While its original mandate was to regulate the whaling industry, its focus gradually shifted towards conservation, culminating in the 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling—a pivotal moment that demonstrated the potential for international cooperation to protect a species from extinction.

A significant step toward a more comprehensive approach was the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which came into force in 1975. By regulating the international trade of over 38,000 species, CITES provided a crucial mechanism to prevent over-exploitation. The regular meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP) under CITES have been instrumental in updating and enforcing these protections.

The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, was adopted in 1979. This framework was designed to protect migratory species across their entire range, leading to various regional and species-specific agreements. These early conventions laid the groundwork by creating an institutional framework and a precedent for international legal cooperation.

The Rio Earth Summit and the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)

The 1992 Rio Earth Summit marked a watershed moment. It shifted the global conversation from resource management to the comprehensive conservation of biodiversity. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a legally binding agreement, was the flagship outcome. Its three core objectives were revolutionary: the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The CBD’s governing body, the Conference of the Parties (COP), became the primary forum for advancing these goals. Significant meetings, such as those in Nagoya (COP 10, 2010), Pyeongchang (COP 12, 2014), and Cancún (COP 13, 2016), led to the adoption of strategic plans and protocols that aimed to integrate biodiversity into broader policy areas.

Post-Rio Developments and Frameworks (1990s–2010s)

Following the Rio Summit, international environmental law became increasingly interconnected. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000), a supplementary agreement to the CBD, was created to regulate the transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms. This reflected a growing concern over the potential risks of new technologies to biodiversity.

Furthermore, climate agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement began to acknowledge the critical link between climate change and biodiversity loss. The Paris Agreement’s emphasis on nature-based solutions signaled a move toward a more integrated approach, recognizing that healthy ecosystems are essential for both climate mitigation and adaptation.

Global Goals and Biodiversity: From MDGs to SDGs

The turn of the millennium saw the introduction of global development goals that increasingly recognized the central role of biodiversity.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000–2015)

The MDGs, a set of eight global goals focused mainly on developing countries, included an environmental component. Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability, directly addressed biodiversity loss with a target to achieve “a significant reduction in the rate of loss” by 2010. Beyond this direct target, biodiversity was also recognized as critical for achieving other MDGs, such as those related to poverty and hunger, as rural populations often depend directly on biological resources for their livelihoods.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015–2030)

Building on the MDGs, the 17 SDGs are a more comprehensive and universal set of goals applying to all countries. The SDGs place a much stronger emphasis on environmental protection, with several goals directly related to biodiversity:

  • SDG 14: Life Below Water: Focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources. Its targets include reducing marine pollution, regulating fishing, and increasing protected marine areas. A landmark UN treaty to safeguard marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction cleared its ratification threshold in September 2025, entering into force in January 2026.
  • SDG 15: Life on Land: Aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, and halt biodiversity loss. Targets address combating desertification, protecting mountain ecosystems, and ending poaching.

biodiversity in Dubai

Shift Towards Holistic Action and Ambitious Targets (2020–2025)

The most recent period has seen an urgent, concerted effort to halt the rapid rate of nature loss. The culmination of this was the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) at COP 15 in 2022. The GBF is a strategic plan designed to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. It sets ambitious, time-bound targets, including the “30 by 30” initiative to conserve 30% of global land and sea areas.

The GBF also emphasizes the need for an integrated approach, linking climate action with biodiversity conservation. The increasing recognition of biodiversity loss as a global crisis has led to widespread calls for increased funding and more decisive action. This momentum is highlighted by the 2025 World Wildlife Day theme and the scheduled CITES COP 20 in Uzbekistan, which is expected to reinforce and expand species protection measures.

In a landmark step, the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, also known as the “High Seas Treaty,” was adopted by UN Member States in 2023. This legally binding instrument, the third implementation agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It aims to fill the governance gap in the vast, largely unregulated high seas by establishing marine protected areas, mandating environmental impact assessments, and providing a framework for the fair sharing of marine genetic resources and technology transfer. The agreement, which India has approved, will enter into force on January 17, 2026, after clearing its 60th ratification threshold.

Conclusion

The evolution of international environmental law on biodiversity conservation is a testament to the world’s increasing recognition of its responsibility to the natural world. While challenges persist, the shift from species-specific management to integrated, holistic frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the SDGs represents a profound change. The focus on ambitious targets, integrated climate-nature action, and greater accountability signifies a new era of legal and political commitment to safeguarding our planet’s rich and irreplaceable biodiversity.

References

  • International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (1946)
    • Signed: December 2, 1946, Washington, D.C.
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
    • Signed: March 3, 1973, Washington, D.C.
    • Entered into Force: July 1, 1975
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
    • Adopted: June 23, 1979
    • Entered into Force: November 1, 1983
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
    • Signed: June 5, 1992, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    • Entered into Force: December 29, 1993
  • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
    • Adopted: 2000
    • Entered into Force: 2003
  • Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing
    • Adopted: October 2010, Nagoya, Japan
    • Entered into Force: October 12, 2014
  • Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
    • Adopted: 2002, UN General Assembly
    • Timeline: 2000–2015
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
    • Adopted: 2015, UN
    • Timeline: 2015–2030
  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
    • Adopted: December 19, 2022, at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the CBD
  • Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement
    • Adopted: June 2023
    • Ratification: Cleared 60 country ratifications on September 19, 2025
    • Entered into Force: January 17, 2026

Islamic Perspectives on Environmental Stewardship

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Everyone is well-aware of the cause of severe climatic disturbances which affect us all and the poorest and most vulnerable in particular – sheer greed and unbridled, reckless, consumption. Islam has always provided the keys to a harmonious life in which humans refuse to take more from nature than they need for their sustenance and enjoyment. Islam has repeatedly warned about the imbalances and inequalities that would arise if one were not to follow its recommendations.

God created the world in balance (mizan): habitats, ecosystems and all forms of life. A balance that only humans are capable of breaking, due to their capacity to corrupt the Earth (fasaad), as repeatedly mentioned in the Quran. So much so that man’s actions have led to the climate change we are witnessing in the form of chronic drought, devastating floods and all manner of extreme meteorological phenomenon.

environmental steward

Mankind as God’s Representative on Earth

Man, as viceregent, or God’s representative on Earth has the highest degree of responsibility, al-Amanah, with respect to the rest of Creation: his peers and other living and non-living things. Therefore, he is responsible for exercising justice on Earth.

“Lo I am about to put a vice-regent on Earth” (Quran, 2:30)

This concept of justice is firmly rooted in the Islamic tradition, although it is not always exercised:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not personal inclination, lest you not be just.” (Quran, 4:135).

In this practice, environmental justice is vital, based on fair and equitable management of the natural resources that have been created and which are available to all without exception: animals, plants and people. It is necessary to create sustainable and lasting economic models, distinct from the current financial debauchery, which reaches all sectors of the population and all regions of the planet with equanimity.

Islam Loves Nature

Islam is the Green Civilization. A civilization which loves nature and which is conscious of its value and fragility. Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) set an example as to how to relate to the world, and consistently urged restraint in our dealings with nature.

nature-based learning

He was especially careful in the use of water, this resource which is so rare and scarce in certain regions of the planet. His zeal reached such a degree that he encouraged people to carry out their ablutions with as little water as possible, even if they were bathing by a river.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) prohibited the killing of animals that were not intended for the table, and the felling or uprooting trees without just cause. He also called for frugality in eating, urging people not to consume more than necessary and what the body is able to assimilate, thereby preventing disease and the hoarding of food resources.

This brief overview invites us to become aware and to take individual and collective action, based on the most genuine Islamic principles on environmental stewardship, which are true for all mankind.

Note: The original article can be read at this link.

Different Types of Docks and Environmental Sustainability

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Like anything else, docks have variations for every function you need. It provides a functional outstretch to an adjacent shoreline. Docks are used for commercial and residential purposes. The different types of docks available in the market range from lightweight to heavy-duty, which depends on the usability of the docks.

Property owners who are planning to install docks need to consider the sustainability of the components. It would be best to use those docks that are not harmful to the marine environment. Let us be conscious of the things we use and know more about eco-friendly docks:

Types of Docks

Each type of docks has its own distinct feature which makes it beneficial for a certain function. When you know the types of docks, you can easily determine the configurations and components of the docks. By then, you can confidently customize the docks based on the features you need.

Removable Docks

Removable docks are the most known and chosen dock for consumers who are living in a harsh climate. They are easy to install and quick to remove. There are two popular removable docks known in the market:

  1. Floating Docks: This removable dock is independent of its stability from the sea bed. It is quite impressive that it only has minimal to no obstruction to the marine life environment. Do not worry. There are anchors to stabilize the float, it is attached to heavy-duty ropes that are tied on the shore.  For those property owners who need an economical, environmentally-friendly, and cheaper dock, floating docks are the answer.
  2. Pipe Docks: For property owners who are looking for the cheapest dock installation and a lightweight alternative, pipe dock is the solution. Pipe docks stand up on legs and sit above the water. Originally, pipe docks are made stationary, but they are customized to have wheels to easily remove them. This type of dock have little impact on the marine environment since it is not submerged in the water.

As we can say, both removable docks have only minimal to no impact on the marine environment. Let us go over the permanent docks!

Permanent Docks

From its name, permanent docks are purposely built to last for years. Permanent docks are stable, they are in a fixed installation. It is expected that these permanent docks can withstand harsh weather and constant use.

Basically, there are two types of permanent docks:

  1. Crib Docks: This dock is termed crib as it is a weighted-down container. The container is filled with rocks or other weights to build an anchor for the dock. These cribs are a solid foundation for a permanent dock. As the anchor is secured, a deck is installed and built on top of the cribs.
  2. Concrete Docks: An alternative option for alternative marine activity is made possible with concrete docks. It is expensive to construct, yet the ideal option for heavy-duty uses. Both foundation and deck are made from concrete to provide a durable and long-lasting structure for decades.

These permanent docks are both installed using heavy equipment, and they are affixed to the sea bed. They may have simple or complex configurations depending on the property owner. But, any configuration of the permanent docks will cause disturbance to the marine environment. Permanent docks are mostly used for commercial properties.

Removable Docks are Environmentally-Friendly

As discussed above, floating docks and pipe docks have minimal to no impact on the marine life environment. Floating docks are a good option to install for waterfront properties. It offers quick access for those who enjoy waterside leisure. Property owners will enjoy their floating dock system for commercial, residential, or marina activities. The floating cubes provide any needs on the shoreline.

These floating dock systems are a revolutionary product. They are made out of high-quality plastic that can endure up to 20 years. You can configure any system you want depending on your application options. You will see the difference in floating docks when you compare it with other types of docks. It has an outstanding lifespan and high-resistance to harsh weather, dangerous chemicals, and punctures.

Lastly, it is easy to maintain floating docks. You only need water and broom to clean it. Refrain from using harsh chemicals, it may go down the water. Its molded polyethylene docks are resistant to oils, salt, and UV ray exposure. Thus, it does not peel, splint, or rot like other docks. Even if it is a low maintenance dock, it is ensured that it has long-term durability and reliable performance.

Are you looking for a reliable floating dock to install in your property? Hisea Dock offers a secure and stabilized floating dock system. Moreover, the components they use for their floating docks are sustainable and environmental-friendly.

Timeless Sparkle: The Beauty and Brilliance of Moissanite Watches

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In the world of luxury accessories, watches always have a special place as they reflect personal style, sophistication and position. While traditional materials such as diamonds and sapphires have been dominated by luxury and watch design for decades, a new star has shone in the world of nice jewelry and timepiece – Moissanite.

Known for its luminosity, durability and affordable, moissanite watch is more commonly used to mix elegance with experimentality. Moissanite watches give wearers the opportunity to enjoy a diamond sparkle without heavy price tags, which makes it a fascinating option for anyone who emphasizes both beauty and affordability.

a moissanite watch in natural settings

What makes Moissanite unique?

Moissanite is a gem that is originally discovered in the meteorite pit by French chemist Henry Moison in the late 19th century. Made of silicone carbide, moissanite is extremely rare in nature, which is why most of the moissanite lab-made used today is used. This makes it not only durable but also more cheaper than mining gems.

When it comes to physical qualities, Moissanite is for its exceptional brightness. On a refractive index scale, which one can reflect a stone measures, more than Moissanite diamonds. This means that it gives more shine and fire, often the rainbow catches the eye with the glow of light. With a hardness rating of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, Moissanite is also very durable and ideal for everyday use.

The Rise of Moissanite Watches

Traditionally, the diamond-decorated watches were reserved for the elite, often costing thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Moissanite watches, however, are changing the story. By replacing the diamond from moissanite, luxury-style watches become accessible to a large audience without compromising on appearance.

Many jewelers and watchmakers now design pieces featuring moissanite-encrusted bases, dials or full pave settings, giving them a glamorous look like diamond watches. In the part of the attractive minimalist design or bold statement, the style enhances the style while justifying the cost of moissanite.

Benefits of Choosing a Moissanite Watch

The biggest appeal of a Moissanite Watch is that it is worth the money offered. With the cost of moissanite for what diamonds do, people can enjoy a stunning, sparkling accessory at a more reaching price point. But it is not just a benefit.

1. Durability – The watch is often exposed to daily wear and tear. Thanks to the hardness of Moissanite, the stones are resistant to scratches and chipping.

2. Environmental – Most moissanite lab-grown avoids environmental and ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.

3. Unmatched brightness – Moissanite reflects the light beautifully, often attracting more attention than diamonds due to its high refractive index.

4. Versatility – Moissanite watches come in the design that suits both male and women, ranging from subtle elegance to bold fashion statements.

Moissanite Watches for Men and Women

The appeal of moissanite watches extends to both sexes. For men, moissanite timepieces often combine bold with a watch faces with blinking bezel or full-ice designs that exude confidence and luxury. They are well-paired with both casual streetwear and formal piercing attire, making them versatile.

For women, moissanite watches will add a touch of shine to any suit. A delicate design with moissanite-studded dials or bezels can enhance everyday style, while more elaborate designs can serve as pieces of shining statements for special occasions. Some brands also offer unisex models, which appeals to anyone who appreciate the brightness and craftsmanship.

The future of Moissanite Watches

As consumers become more conscious of durability, affordable and moral sourcing, the popularity of moissanite watches continues to grow. In the watch industry, this trend is only expected to grow because more brands recognize the appeal of offering options that are bright, durable and environmentally friendly for diamond timepieces.

For many buyers, Moissanite watches represents more than just a luxury. It is a smart fashion statement for both men and women.

Final Thought

The moissanite watch is more than a timepiece; It is a symbol of elegance, brightness and modern values. With its shining shine, incredible durability and accessible price, Moissanite shapes people how luxury watches look. Whether you are buying a one for you or as a gift for a special person, the Moissanite watch offers a perfect mix of practicality and reputation – which is a really timeless part for today’s world.

Thermal Technologies for MSW-to-Energy Conversion

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Thermal (or thermochemical) MSW-to-energy conversion systems consist of primary technologies which convert the municipal waste into heat or gaseous and liquid products, together with secondary conversion technologies which transform these products into more useful forms of energy, such as heat and electricity.

A wide array of thermal waste-to-energy technologies are available to convert the energy stored in solid wastes into more useful forms of energy. These technologies can be classified according to the principal energy carrier produced in the conversion process. Energy carriers are in the form of heat, gas, liquid and/or solid products, depending on the extent to which oxygen is admitted to the conversion process (usually as air).

msw incineration plant

The three predominant methods for thermal MSW-to-energy conversion are combustion in excess air, gasification in limited air, and pyrolysis in the absence of air.

Combustion

Conventional MSW combustion technologies (also known as incineration) raise steam through the combustion of municipal wastes. This steam may then be expanded through a conventional turbo-alternator to produce electricity. Fluidized bed combustors (FBC), which use a bed of hot inert material such as sand, are a more recent development. Bubbling FBCs are generally used at 10-30 MWth capacity, while Circulating FBCs are more applicable at larger scales.

Gasification

Gasification of municipal wastes takes place in a limited supply of oxygen and occurs through initial devolatilization of the waste, combustion of the volatile material and char, and further reduction to produce an energy-rich gas known as synthetic gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen). Synthetic gas (or syngas) has a lower calorific value than natural gas but can be efficiently used as fuel for boilers, engines, and combustion turbines after cleaning the syngas of impurities like tars and particulates.

Waste-to-Energy schematic

Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis enables municipal solid wastes to be converted to a combination of solid char, syngas and bio-oil. Pyrolysis technologies are generally categorized as “fast” or “slow” according to the time taken for processing the feed into pyrolysis products. Using fast pyrolysis, bio-oil yield can be as high as 80 percent of the product on a dry fuel basis. Bio-oil can act as a liquid biofuel or as a feedstock for chemical production.

Green Building Sector in the Middle East: Sustainability Perspectives

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Green buildings are no longer a marginal concept but are becoming the standard for sustainable building construction and modernization in the Middle East. Forward thinking organizations can realize the benefits of being environmentally aware of the impact of each and every action undertaken in the present world of development. It is no longer about the financial bottom line and whether we are eco-friendly, it is a fundamental component of sustainability. Institutes and organizations in the Middle East can embrace green building initiatives as a mandate, while educational institutes can embrace it as a good citizen initiative developing the minds of young people into being caring and concerned citizens of the planet.

green-buildings-jordan

Certification of Green Buildings

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed in the USA,  offer directives for both new construction and renovation of already existing buildings. In the USA, LEED certification is required for buildings over a specified floor area, namely 5,000 square feet. There are other green building initiatives originating in the UK and Europe, and in the GCC region as well. The basic premises are similar regardless which system one chooses for building certification.

This is not a single sustainable system but are a range of standards that can be incorporated into new construction or existing buildings. The basic premise is to provide standards for the building owner and the building operators to reference and adhere to in order to operate and manage a sustainable building environment.

With the LEED rating system, there are four levels of certification starting at Certified and progressing to Silver, Gold and Platinum ranking. The ranking is awarded based on number of credits achieved when the overall building performance is benchmarked against the standards. The main areas where the building is benchmarked is in terms of energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality.

The challenge is in utilizing the system with existing buildings as the greater majority of buildings already exist compared with the number of proposed new construction sites. Energy consumption is the greatest sector that can be addressed in terms of efficiency. This is critical, especially with the urgency to mitigate climate change and lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), conserve water and manage waste product better.

Identifying the Best Sustainability Strategy

The first step is to identify the best sustainability strategy for an organization based on the present level of sustainability, possible options for achieving greater sustainability, as well as the estimated costs and likely benefits. The main areas of sustainability concerns include energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, environmental quality, construction materials and site sustainability. To undertake sustainable measures for all areas at once is not a good practice because of the cost involved.

net-zero-energy-building

Net Zero Energy Buildings rely on exceptional energy conservation and on-site renewable generation to meet energy requirements..

Therefore, the preferred area for implementing sustainable best practice measures often first address the energy efficiency areas as these measures can have significant cost savings. The evaluation focuses on electrical and mechanical systems, as well as the potential for renewable energy usage. The identification of possible changes to improve the energy efficiency should reduce energy consumption rates by modifying operational procedures. This may be achieved by installing energy efficient light sources, light sensors, and even retro-commissioning air conditioners and/or heat systems.

Water

Water consumption is of growing concern. Therefore, water usage and water recovery and reuse after water treatment are all viable considerations. The best practices include managing the water flow at the faucet and the flush system in toilets. These are the two main consumer areas. Other measures depending on location could include harvesting of rainwater and method of irrigation.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor quality covers several areas such as air quality, thermal comfort and lighting quality. Lighting quality can be improved significantly by using natural light source as mush as possible. Adequate clean, fresh air is critical for the overall well-being of the building occupants. This may require the replacement of materials in the building that give of toxic fumes. It could also require changing processes conducted indoors.

Another critical area is to eliminate emission of ozone depleting gases from HVAC systems, fire suppressant materials and refrigerant gases. Many of the latter are already well addressed in developed regions of the globe.  But this is not the case in the less developed regions of the globe.

Waste Minimization

Waste reduction in materials and construction is achieved through waste management processes. This is best achieved through waste management and recycling initiatives. Analysis of cleaning products is another means of improving the overall air quality within buildings. Also, the use of natural building materials is preferable to man-made products.

Sustainable Indoors and Outdoors

The final area to consider is making the overall area – both indoors and outdoors –  more sustainable. This can be reflected in exterior lighting system, landscape of the grounds.  e.g. using xeriscape techniques in desert regions, selecting native plant species better suited to the outdoor conditions, and so on. Transportation options that are more favourable for “green” focus and sustainability are the ideal where employees are encouraged to carpool, as just one example. One measure that has become very popular in Bahrain is capturing solar energy from car parking shade roofing.

The Way Forward

By conducting energy, water and air quality audits, proposed sustainable measures can then be incorporated into large scale organizational planning strategies that make the organization operational procedures “green” and sustainable. These “green” initiatives can be implemented in operational procedures, maintenance and upgrade, as well as in new construction.

Initial implementation typically focuses on low-cost initiatives that have a short-term payback by reducing energy and other resource consumption rates. Over time, sustainable initiatives will highlight the short-term and long-term benefits in terms of environmental, economic and social factors. Ultimately buildings can ensure maximum operational efficiency while achieving a sustainable built environment.

مقدمة عن زراعه الاسطح الخضراء

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green-roof-arabicتعتبر زراعه الاسطح من التكنولوجيا التي توفر مجموعة كبيرة من الفوائد الملموسه وغير الملموسه للمجتمعات المهتمة بتحسين وتعزيز بيئة جيدة.للأسقف الخضراء فوائد عديدة فهي تعمل على تنظيم حرارة المبنى ,فتقوم بتدفئته خلال الشتاء و تبريده خلال الصيف كما تساهم فى تقليل مياه الامطار المتسربة من الاسطح، ذلك لأنها تعمل كإسفنجة ماصة للمياه و في الوقت نفسه تستفيد النباتات من هذه المياه.

 كما تقوم الأسقف الخضراء على تقليل التلوث حيث تعمل كفلتر لتنقية الهواء. ومن فوائد الأسقف الخضراء قيامها  بدور هام فى تقليل الضوضاء و التى تعتبر من مشاكل العصر الحديث خاصة فى المدن. كما يجب ان لا  ننسى أن للأسقف الخضراء فوائد اقتصادية عديدة فهى تزيد من عمر المباني حيث تعمل كعازل حراري بحجبها أشعة الشمس عن أسطح المبانى كما تقلل من تكاليف تكييف الهواء خلال الصيف و التدفئة خلال الشتاء.

ما هي الاسطح الخضراء

النظم المستخدمة لزراعة أسطح المباني يجب ان تكون نظاماً خفيف الوزن لا يسبب حمولة زائدة علي المبني، كذلك يجب ان لا يحدث تسريب للمياه من النظام لسطح المبنى حتى يتم الحفاظ على المبنى بصورة جيدة ولفترة طويلة. و قد وجد أن الزراعة بدون تربة بأنظمتها المختلفة وأشكالها المتنوعة هي الاسلوب الامثل لزراعة السطح.

الاسطح الخضراء ممكن ان تتكون من اشجار, نباتات او شجيرات. وعمق وكثافه الطبقة المنبته للزراعه تنقسم الي نوعين مختلفين.

فالاسطح الخضراء ممكن ان تكون مكثفة او قليله الكثافة علي نطاق واسع. فالاسقف المكثفة تكون اكثر سمكا (اكثر من 15 سم عمق), وهي سماكة تسمح لنمو مجموعه متنوعه من النباتات والاشجار والشجيرات. ولكنها ثقيله علي السطح ومكلفه اكثر, وتتطلب المزيد من الصيانة والري.

والنوع الاخر يغطي طبقة خفيفة من الغطاء النباتي وذات سماكة اقل من 15 سم. وهي مخصصه للشجيرات والاعشاب التي لا تتطلب عمق كبير داخل التربة للنمو.

يستخدم نظام ترابيزات المراقد لانتاج المحاصيل التي لا تحتاج إلى حيز كبير لنمو جذور النباتات  مثل  المحاصيل  الورقية  كالجرجير،  الفجل،  البقدونس،  الكسبرة  والشبت.  كذلك يمكن باستخدام هذا النظام زراعة العديد من النباتات الطبية والعطرية والتي تستخدم في البيوت بكثرة كالنعناع، الزعتر، الريحان, وغيرهم.

والاسطح الخضراء علي مساحات واسعه وكثافه بسيطة يتم صيانتها مرتين سنويا عندما تحتاج التربه للترطيب والتسميد, فلها ميزة ان استدامتها ذاتية .

بيئة الزراعة المستخدمة

يجب ان تتوافر في بيئة الزراعة المستخدمة فوق الاسطح عدة مواصفات يمكن ان تلخص بما يلي :

1.      ان توفر البيئة الرطوبة اللازمة لنمو الجذور.

2.      ان توفر البيئة التهوية اللازمة لنمو الجذور.

3.      ان لا  تحتوي البيئة علي مواد ضارة او سامة.

4.      ان تكون البيئة خالية من المسببات المرضية.

5.      ان تكون البيئة خالية من الاملاح .

6.      ان تكون البيئة خالية من بذور الحشائش.

7.      أن تكون البيئة خفيفة الوزن.

8.      أن تتميز البيئة بسهوله تنظيفها و تعقيمها.

9.      سهوله توفر البيئة, مع سهوله عمليات النقل.

10.  ان تكون تكلفه البيئة معتدلة.

ويوجد العديد من المواد التي يمكن استخدامها كبيئة للزراعه فوق الاسطح. وتنقسم الي قسمين رئيسين هما: بيئات عضوية مثل بيئة سرس الارز. او البيئات غير العضوية مثل بيئة البرليت. ويمكن ان تسنخدم البيئات السابقة بصورة منفردة او تخلط معا للوصول الي افضل توليفه تلائم النباتات المزروعه.

اما بالنسبة للاشكال المختلفة لنظم مزارع البيئات فوق الاسطح, فهناك نظام الترابيزات المراقد وتستخدم للنباتات التي لا تحتاج الي حيز كبير لنمو الجذور. نظام ترابيزات الاصص وتسنخدم للنباتات التي تحتاج الي  حيز كبير نسبيا حتي تنمو الجذور مثل الطماطم. وهناك نظام لانتاج بعض اشجار الفاكهة فوق الاسطح مثل البراميل سعه 60 لتر لانتاج بعض الاشجار مثل الليمون.

بسبب الحمل المنشأ من استخدام الاسطح الخضراء الكثيفه فانها تستخدم بشكل اكبر في المباني التجاريه. حيث ان المباني التجارية اكثر تحمل لكونها اقوي من الناحية الخرسانيه, فانها تستطيع تحميل الاوزان الزائدة عنها في المباني السكنية.

بمجرد تجهيز التربة ووضع النباتات المطلوبة وترطيب تربتها, فان السطح المزروع ممكن ان يزن 150 بوند/القدم المربع. ويراعي لخلق جو اخضر وطبيعي للزائريين. ان ييكون هناك اماكن جلوس, مناضد, كراسي وممرات. الامر الذي يخلق بيئة من الطبيعه والهدوء.

والاسطح الكثيفة ذات الاشجار الاكبر حجما تساعد اكثر من النباتات علي الهدوء والاستراخاء, وخلق بيئة قريبة من المتنزهات والحدائق.

وعلي جانب اخر فان الاسطح الاكثر انتشارا والاقل كثافة تكون افضل للمباني السكنية و المدارس. فهي سهله التركيب والصيانة وممكن ان تضاف الي المبني بعد بدء الاسكان بدون تخوف من الاحمال الزائدة. ايا كان نوع النباتات او الشجيرات المستخدمة فانه يمكن اضافة وزن 10-35 بوند/القدم المربع, لاجمالي أحمال السطح. الحشائش والنباتات غير المستهلكة لكثير من الماء من الانواع التي تجد استحسان للزراعة فوق السطح وذلك نظرا لاستخدامها القليل للماء وجذورها القصيرة.

 ومن أهم فوائد الاسطح الخضراء انها صالحة للمباني القديمة والحديثة.

 والانظمة المستخدمة للزراعه يمكن ان تكون وحدات بطبقة صرف وطبقة فلترة من القماش وطبقة انبات بنوع معين, وشبكة ري وصرف متشابكة. والنباتات المستخدمة والتي تكون مسبقة التجهيز خارجيا, البوتقات المستخدمة التي تكون منفصله عن النظام او مركبة جزء منه. وهذا النظام يسمح بتكوين النظام بشكل منفصل.

green-roofs-middle-east

تختلق التقارير  التي توضح تكلفة النظام المتسع والاقل كثافه للتربه المستخدمة ليكن في المتوسط لزراعه النظام المتسع ما بين 8-20 دولار/ للقدم المربع. وبالنسبة للنظام الكثيف مابين 15-50 دولار/القدم المربع. وبالمقارنة للاسطح التقليدية المزروعه والتي تكون في المتوسط 16 دولار/القدم المربع وقد يعلو عن ذلك في التكلفة. ولكن بالرغم من ذلك فان ما توفره الاسطح الخضراء من فوائد بيئية وجمالية وصحية هي اكثر بكثير من التكلفه المتوقعه للتنفيذ.

فوائد الاسقف الخضراء

الاسطح الخضراء لديها القدرة علي خفض متطلبات الطاقة بطريقيتين:

امتصاص الحرارة واعتبارها عازل حراري للمبني. فاضافه طبقه من التربة والنباتات الي السطح يزيد طبقة العزل الحراري علي السطح. فالاسطح هي اكثر الامكان التي تفقد الحرارة الداخلية في الشتاء وتزيد سخونة المبني في الصيف. الاسطح الخضراء يمكن ان تقلل من كمية الطاقة اللازمة لتلطيف الحرارة داخل المبني وبالتالي الحد من متطلبات الطاقة والتي لها تاثير ايجابي علي نوعية الهواء وتخفيض نسبة تلوثه.

كما ان الاسطح الخضراء ممكن ان تقلل من انبعاثات غازات الاحتباس الحراري وثلوث الهواء المرتبطة بزيادة نسبة ثاني اكسيد الكربون في الجو. وتعتبر محطات الطاقة والمعروف انها مسببة لانبعاثات ثاني اكسيد الكربون تكون الاسطح الخضراء حلا ايجابيا علي تقليل هذه الانبعاثات عن طريق تحويله الي اكسجين مما يساعد علي تحسين نوعية الهواء في البيئة المحيطة.

ترجمه: هبة احمد مسلم- دكتور الهندسة البيئية. باحث في الشئون البيئية. معهد الدراسات والبحوث البيئية– جامعه عين شمس.

مدرس بالاكاديمية العربية للعلوم والتكنولوجيا والنقل البحري-  مصر.

التحكم في البيئة والطاقه داخل المباني.

هندسة الميكانيكة- وكيل محرك دويتس الالماني بمصر. 

للتواصل عبر hebamosalam2000@gmail.com

How Live Cell Imagers Support Sustainable Solutions in Energy and Agriculture

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The push for sustainable solutions has never been stronger. Researchers in labs around the world are chasing new ways to solve big issues in food and energy. They lean on powerful tools that help them watch and understand cells in real time.

One tool that has grown in importance is the live cell imager. It does more than capture pretty pictures. It opens a direct window into living systems that drive advances in both agriculture and renewable energy.

a scientist holding a green leaf plant

Image source

Watching Cells at Work

Traditional methods often froze moments in time. That left researchers guessing about what happened before or after. With live imaging, the story unfolds second by second. Scientists now track growth, division, and stress responses without stopping the natural process.

This level of detail allows faster testing of crops engineered for resilience. It also helps in exploring microbes designed to convert waste into usable fuel. The ability to observe living systems in action speeds up the journey from theory to real-world application.

Energy From Tiny Engines

The hunt for clean energy sources often points back to microbes. Certain strains of bacteria and algae hold the key to biofuels and new materials. By using advanced imaging, scientists watch how these cells perform under stress, or when pushed to their limits. Patterns emerge that were invisible before. This insight helps labs design strains that produce higher yields with less input. It is a step toward greener energy that reduces the need for fossil fuels. The progress is steady, and imaging continues to light the way.

The role of imaging also extends into testing renewable materials. Microbes can be trained to create plastics that break down faster. Scientists can monitor the stability of these organisms and track how they grow under different settings. The knowledge helps cut dependence on traditional plastics and moves industries toward cleaner choices.

Smarter Agriculture for a Growing World

Farming faces pressure from climate change, pests, and shifting soil conditions. Solutions need to be fast, precise, and reliable. Live imaging allows plant scientists to watch roots, leaves, and even tiny symbiotic partners. They learn how plants respond to drought or how fungi interact with crops. These findings point toward more resilient seeds and farming methods. As a result, growers gain tools that can cut waste, boost harvests, and reduce the heavy use of chemicals. The images reveal what is happening below the surface, where the human eye cannot see.

Researchers also use imaging to test how plants respond to changing light or soil nutrients. Subtle shifts in cell activity show up early on camera. That means scientists can predict problems before they grow into large-scale issues. Farmers benefit because the research leads to crops that thrive with less water and fewer fertilizers.

live cell imager

Reducing Trial and Error

Science used to involve many dead ends. Testing ideas meant long waits for results. Imaging tools cut down that time. Scientists can now see in real time if a new approach is working or failing. This reduces the cost of wasted trials and lowers resource use in labs. That matters in a world where sustainability must apply to research itself. Efficiency in discovery is as important as efficiency in production. Every step saved brings innovations closer to market.

The ability to shorten trial cycles also gives smaller labs a better chance to compete. Startups and universities can push new ideas forward without massive budgets. Imaging becomes an equalizer in a field that once favored only the largest institutions.

Bridging Disciplines

The impact of imaging does not stop in one field. Insights into energy often overlap with agriculture. For example, algae studied for fuel also have uses in soil improvement. Imaging reveals behavior that crosses industries. This shared knowledge builds a bridge between sectors that once worked apart. Collaboration becomes easier when the data is clear and visible. A farmer and a bioengineer can look at the same time-lapse video and reach common ground. That creates more unified efforts toward global sustainability.

This cross-pollination of ideas strengthens innovation. Energy projects borrow lessons from plant science. Agriculture benefits from microbial research done for clean fuel. The live cell imager becomes the common thread that ties everything together.

Closing Thoughts

The path toward sustainable energy and agriculture is full of challenges. Yet, tools like live cell imagers bring new hope. They empower researchers to see beyond static data and move into the world of living detail. The ability to watch cells respond and adapt helps turn bold ideas into working solutions. From greener fuel to stronger crops, imaging pushes progress forward. In the years ahead, the smallest of details could drive the biggest transformations.

Red Sea “Super Corals” – A Ray of Hope for Global Reef Survival

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Coral reefs often known as the rainforests of the seas are a critical part of our ecosystem due to its role in providing coastal stability, species habitat, and nutrient cycling. Corals are known to share a symbiotics relationship with algae which provide them with nutrient byproducts from photosynthesis and in return the algae have can live in the host coral giving it its colour. These natural barriers protecting us against storms and floods are in threat from global warming as even a slight increase in the local average maximum temperature can activate coral stress response which can lead to increased mortality. With recent heat surges in the MENA region the ability for coral reefs to thrive in this environment comes to question.

The Red Sea’s Unique Environment

The Red Sea located between north eastern African border and Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s border is a sea inlet of the Indian Ocean. It is considered to be one of the warmest seas in the world where sea surface temperatures can go up to 34°C. The Northern Red Sea especially in the Gulf of Aqaba the sea surface temperature can reach up to 34.5°C in marine heatwaves. The corals in the Gulf of Aqaba are the most researched corals in the Red Sea allowing us to analyse them further.

corals in the red sea

Map showing distribution of coral reefs in the Red Sea (Allen Coral Atlas, 2025)

The Science Behind Super Corals

Scientists use two main methods to target symbiotic diversity, PCR (Polymerease Chain Reaction) and Genetic Profiling. Both these methods target a region in the algal DNA called a genetic marker which is usually the ITS2 Region which is a segment in the DNA that evolves faster than other regions making it perfect to study adaptability. Strains of Cladocopium which is a genus of algae have known to have maximum success in having high adaptability to high heat stress and can survive past the regular coral sea surface temperature threshold.

A paper in 2020 explained how 86% of all corals in the five sites they chose to study held a symbiotic relationship with the  algae with Cladocopium genus, as well as five new strains of Cladocopium adapted for higher temperatures despite being in different latitudes and gradients (Osman et al, 2020). This suggests that the Red Sea is known to have high symbiotic specificity.

super corals

Styrophora Coral which contains algae with Cladocopium genus , causing vibrant colour.
Photography by: Dan Rigle, 2013

Under different PCR methods, Cladocopium is known to have good cell density stability even under heat stress and is able to perform basic tasks such as photosynthesis without depleting its energy. This allows the particular coral to have enough energy from the algae to prevent itself from bleaching.

Genetic traits are hard to pinpoint however, the KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) team found that there are other small microbial communities in the Red Sea corals that also contribute to heat tolerance. Single celled organisms and other bacteria in the corals can provide with recycled nitrates and phosphorus replenishing the corals energy in the case of algal mortality. This discovery has led to scientists producing probiotics filled with these microbial traits that can recover corals (Santoro et al., 2025).

Global Effects

These successes in finding adaptability traits in the Cladocopium and other few strains is not only for local restoration but can help with global restoration as well with global warming on the rise. Building on groundbreaking studies from institutions like KAUST, researchers are now applying advanced technologies to actively shape the future of reef ecosystems. These efforts are not just reactive—they’re strategic, forward-looking, and globally relevant.

coral reef restoration project

Coral Reef restoration efforts. Photography by: Indo-Pacific Films

Targeted Breeding Program

Using these studies, new technology advances have been made such as targeted breeding where heat resilient traits would be chosen to develop new corals in breeding tanks especially Acropora as it is the most abundant coral genus in the world.

Translocation Experiments

To test adaptability, corals from thermally stable regions like the Gulf of Aqaba are being relocated to warmer reef systems. These experiments help assess survival rates, symbiont stability, and ecological integration in new environments.

Genome Mapping

Genome mapping is another method where scientists are trying to identify more strains like the cladocopium to isolate the gene markers and use them on less resilient corals (McGarth, 2024).

Final Words

The science behind super corals is powerful—but it’s the people who make it unstoppable. Around the world, citizen science projects are bridging the gap between research and reality, turning everyday ocean lovers into reef guardians. From school-led reef surveys to community-driven restoration dives, these efforts are amplifying the reach of coral conservation like never before.

Red Sea ‘Super Corals’ are more than a scientific marvel — they’re nature’s blueprint for resilience. If we harness their genetic strengths and ecological adaptability, the possibilities for global reef survival are not just promising, they’re limitless.

References

  1. Physiological and Biogeochemical Responses of Super-Corals to Thermal Stress from the Northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea – (Andrea, 2017)
  2. Coral microbiome composition along the northern Red Sea suggests high plasticity of bacterial and specificity of endosymbiotic dinoflagellate communities – (Osman et al., 2020)
  3. Inherent differential microbial assemblages and functions associated with corals exhibiting different thermal phenotypes – (Santoro et al., 2025)
  4. Highlight: Genomic Insights May Provide a Blueprint for Coral Conservation – (McGarth, 2024)

Algae vs. Oil Spills and Climate Change: An Opportunity for Middle Eastern Seas

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Oil spills, marine pollution, and climate change have become global challenges, particularly acute in oil-producing regions. The Persian Gulf and coastal waters of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE are areas with heavy concentrations of petroleum infrastructure, where any incident could trigger an environmental disaster. Nature itself may hold the solution: marine algae can cleanse water of petroleum products and absorb carbon dioxide on a massive scale. This has been demonstrated by scientists in various parts of the world’s oceans.

marine forest

Seas under threat

The Persian Gulf serves as the heart of the global oil economy. Dozens of oil platforms, terminals, and ports are concentrated here, and the intensity of oil extraction and fuel exports makes the region’s ecosystem particularly vulnerable. Oil spills, wastewater discharges from drilling platforms, rising water temperatures, and marine ecosystem degradation have become systemic problems. Each new incident—from accidental oil spills to tanker disasters to deep sea mining—threatens not only the environment but also the economies of nations whose prosperity depends directly on stable oil and gas exports.

The situation is compounded by the region’s expanding petroleum infrastructure: new platforms, terminals, and extraction zones create constant pressure on marine flora and fauna. Scientists note that without timely prevention measures and biological protection, the Persian Gulf’s ecosystems will struggle to survive.

The experiment: 82% cleanup in one month

This spring, the KELP FARMS team (https://kelpfarms.global/), an international project registered in Georgia, with support from international company Greenway Global (https://greenwayglobal.com/), conducted a laboratory experiment using brown algae Cystoseira. Under conditions where heavy fuel oil M100 concentrations exceeded normal levels by tens of times, petroleum product content in seawater decreased by 82% in just 31 days.

“We were surprised by the results ourselves,” says Oksana Vyalova, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Southern Seas Biology and PhD in Biological Sciences. “The algae not only precipitated oil pollution but also created an environment for bacteria that actively broke it down.”

The combination of algae and microorganisms forms a complete ecological complex capable of restoring the marine environment even after large-scale oil spills. The experimental results indicate that biosanitary algae farms could serve as an effective biological barrier in areas of chronic or emergency contamination. Such farms are particularly relevant for ports, oil platforms, and coastal terminals where the risk of petroleum spills is high.

How marine eco-farms work

Marine eco-farm technology is based on industrial-scale algae cultivation:

  • Seedling nets are anchored to ropes, with seedlings reaching operational size within 8 months.
  • Farm installation is possible along coastlines or near petroleum infrastructure using anchor systems.
  • Efficiency: Within a month, algae absorb pollutants at levels tens of times their own weight.

The key to such systems is prevention. During an emergency oil spill, the farm immediately absorbs contaminants and processes them over several weeks. The algae are then replaced with fresh seedlings, maintaining high cleanup efficiency year-round.

Marine biologists on the KELP FARMS team are prepared to develop projects for any region of the world’s oceans, selecting appropriate algae species and farm designs for specific conditions.

“Marine forests” and climate

The potential of algae extends far beyond local seawater cleanup. They could play a decisive role in combating global climate change.

“A hectare of marine forests absorbs up to 360 tons of CO₂ per year, while a hectare of terrestrial forest absorbs about 5 tons,” explains KELP FARMS founder Olga Lakustova. “This carbon can be sequestered, for example, in construction materials, or the algae can be processed into eco-friendly biofuel. We’re also working on creating biodegradable packaging from algae.”

Thus, marine eco-farms not only protect waters from oil but also become an effective decarbonization tool. For Middle Eastern countries, where sustainable development and carbon footprint reduction are becoming priorities, this opens new economic and environmental opportunities.

Economic benefits for oil-producing regions

Creating marine phytofarms is also financially advantageous:

  1. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Global demand is growing, and starting in 2025, airlines must use a minimum of 2% SAF as aircraft fuel. This creates a market worth millions of tons annually.
  2. Carbon credits: By recording CO₂ absorption by marine farms, countries and companies can sell carbon units on international exchange markets. This represents a new revenue stream actively pursued by global corporations.
  3. Agriculture: Algae processing by-products are converted into biochar—a fertilizer that increases agricultural land productivity.
  4. ESG metrics: Implementing environmental technologies enhances companies’ investment attractiveness, reduces tax and environmental risks, improves reputation, and creates better conditions for international cooperation.

Climate marine projects deliver an IRR of 5.4% to 17%, providing stable returns over extended periods, making them attractive to conservative investors. Even under conservative models, projects can pay for themselves within 1.5–3 years, depending on carbon credit price volatility. Parallel sales of SAF or algae feedstock for its production can increase company profitability by 1.5–2 times. For Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regional countries investing in the “green economy” while seeking to maintain leadership in energy markets, such projects are becoming strategically vital.

marine ecofarms

Prospects for the Persian Gulf

Algae are more than just elements of marine ecosystems. They clean water of petroleum products, absorb carbon dioxide, help restore marine biodiversity and bioproductivity, and create new economic opportunities.

KELP FARMS is already implementing pilot projects in the Black Sea and Sea of Japan, and the technology is ready for scaling in the Persian Gulf. This region, which accounts for over 30% of global oil production, could gain an effective tool for protecting ecosystems from chronic spills while simultaneously creating a new revenue source. Marine eco-farms in the Middle East are becoming a symbol of the transition to sustainable development: from oil to “green” technologies.

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