Plans for the world’s first dedicated coral conservation facility have been revealed near the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Australia. Called the Living Coral Biobank, it will aim to secure the long-term future and biodiversity of corals worldwide which are under severe threat due to climate change.

The project is led by the Great Barrier Reef Legacy (GBR Legacy), who have just unveiled designs by Contreras Earl Architecture. It will be a next-generation design incorporating renewable energy that creates optimal conditions for coral storage while minimizing energy consumption and solar gain - a living “coral ark”. The primary goal of the facility is to keep alive and nurture over 800 species of the world’s hard corals preserving them for future generations to enjoy and ensuring the survival of one of the natural wonders of the world.