Delta takes the stage at the world's leading
coral reef conference for the first time

In July, Delta participated in the 16th ICRS at Auckland, New Zealand—the world's leading scientific conference on coral reef research, conservation, and management. Serving as a co-chair of a cross-sector technology innovation session, Delta joined leading coral reef researchers and experts from five continents to explore how technological innovation can accelerate marine ecosystem restoration while advancing international collaboration and practical applications.

Held every four years, ICRS is the world's leading academic conference dedicated to coral reef science, conservation, and management. The conference brings together research institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and conservation practitioners from around the globe to address the challenges coral reefs face under climate change and to explore future solutions. The theme of this year's ICRS, "Working Together to Ensure a Future for Coral Reefs," underscored the growing importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration as an essential strategy for global coral restoration.

Delta hosted a session titled "Driving Technology Innovation through Cross-sectoral Partnerships for Coral Reef Resilience and Restoration," with Professor Chang-Feng Tai, Chief Advisor to Delta's Coral Restoration Scheme, serving as session chair. The event brought together experts from government, academia, and industry representing from several countries, including the United States, France, Ghana, Japan, and Singapore. Speakers shared the latest advances in artificial intelligence, molecular biology, materials engineering, digital decision support, community-based coral restoration, and cross-sector partnerships, highlighting how innovative technologies can accelerate coral conservation and ecosystem recovery.

From left: Dr. Mei-Fang Lin of National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, Wim Chang, CEO of the Delta Foundation, Professor Chang-Feng Dai, Chief Consultant of Delta Coral Restoration Project, Dr. Yang-Wen Chen, Deputy Executive Director of the Delta Foundation, Dr. Chao-Yang Kuo of the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Taiwan.

A defining feature of the session was its departure from the traditional format of presenting individual research projects. Instead, it showcased a collaborative model that integrated perspectives from academia, government, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and foundations. Beyond presenting cutting-edge research, participants discussed the development of shared data standards, the integration of diverse monitoring technologies, and the application of AI analytics and digital models to improve coral bleaching prediction, restoration decision-making, and long-term monitoring. These discussions demonstrated how technology can become a powerful catalyst for global marine conservation.

Delta has long been committed to advancing energy-efficient technologies, sustainability education, and coral restoration while building an international collaboration network that bridges technology and nature-based conservation. From partnerships at Taiwan's Chaojing Conservation Area, Kenting, and the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium to joint initiatives with research institutions in the United States and Australia, Delta has promoted innovative applications such as Large Area Imaging (LAI), AI-powered coral identification, Digital Twin technology, and the Coral Master Data Model, reinforcing its leadership in technology-enabled marine conservation.

Hosting the session at ICRS marks a significant milestone and reflects international recognition of Delta's sustained commitment to coral restoration. More importantly, it offers a window into the diverse approaches, technologies, and collaborative models being adopted around the world to restore increasingly threatened marine ecosystems. Restoring the oceans is not solely the responsibility of scientists—it is a collective commitment shared by society. Delta will continue to leverage technology as its foundation and collaboration as its driving force, building a global network of conservation and hope that connects coral reefs in Taiwan with those around the world.

The International Coral Reef Symposium was held in Auckland, New Zealand, attracting more than 2,000 experts and scholars from 93 countries.