The Scientific Centre of Monaco and Chanel renew the Red Coral partnership for six years.

Since 2019 a fruitful scientific collaboration has been advancing biological studies on Red Coral through innovative methodologies aimed at establishing the molecular foundations of coral reef preservation. Thanks to this contribution, important steps have been taken to remove the risk of extinction of this emblematic Mediterranean species.

The Scientific Centre of Monaco (CSM) and the Maison Chanel have recently renewed their partnership for a further six years, involving the Research Unit on the Biology of Precious Corals which carries key research programs aimed at understanding the essential processes of Red Coral within its submarine habitat. The signing of the agreement took place in the presence of H.R.H. Princess Caroline of Hanover, Dr Jean-Jacques Risso, President of CSM, and Dr Sylvie Tambutté, Director of CSM.

Red Coral has suffered the devastating effect of great human exploitation for millenia, due to the use of its precious skeleton for high jewellery creations, medicine and as a religious ornament. The species, cornerstone of a marine ecosystem inhabited by almost 20% of living being creatures, continues to be seriously threatened by overfishing, human-induced pollution and the global warming. And its slow growth does not facilitate restoration: a centimetre in diameter can take 40-50 years for a branch.

Chanel Jewellery and the Scientific Centre of Monaco are being investing is research and development focused on coral growth mechanisms, as well as the chemical components that determine colour, appearance and reproductive capabilities.

« The protection of the environment, and that of the oceans in particular, is paramount to CHANEL. The Maison carries out initiatives in coherence with its universe, which aim to help Sustainable Development and Ecosystem Preservation. The scientific partnership with the CSM is part of this logic, and the outcome attest to its validity », pointed out the Maison Chanel.

The synergy between CSM and Chanel allowed to publish about twenty scientific articles and a couple of ongoing thesis dissertations, showcasing some relevant discoveries related to Red Coral skeletal formation, associated microorganisms and larvae fixation processes. Moreover, the effect of ecosystem changes have been. studied, combining laboratory findings and in-situ observations.

In particular, a set of scientific discoveries which mark a new step as for understanding and techniques. Notably:

• Hormones to control Red Coral life physiologic cycle: it will allow to stimulate coral growth in laboratory in view to raise awareness and find more effective conservation actions.

• Genome as skeleton sculptor: some organic molecules are acting as the framework encouraging the building up of this unique coral-red skeletal, depicting for the fist time a sophisticated network of interconnected cells to produce calcareous granules, named spicules.

• Unique Microbiome to give life to coral: it is made of specific bacteria, including spirochetes, and symbiotic fungi able to feed it and keep it vital.

• Heat Waves Stress as major danger for vital balance of the microbiome: these abnormal fluctuations in temperatures activates other types of pathogenic bacteria

  which make Red Corals more vulnerable, up to cause death.

The installation of specific artificial caves in Monegasque waters at a depth of 40 meters deep in order to test new approaches to optimise Red Coral reproduction and stimulate the growth of young colonies, is integral part of the Programme, considered as strategic within the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). This initiative generates from 200 to 300 baby corals each year.

Thus, the Red Coral Scientific collaboration between CSM and Maison Chanel is being contributing to boost knowledge while fostering developments in advanced laboratory research to promote coral ecosystems restoration and regeneration. We just have to wait for future results to fight against biodiversity loss through the protection of Red Coral. ***

✒️ Maurice Abbati

• Strategic Communication Specialist, Editor in Chief, Journalist, Executive.

• Lecturer and Author in English in the field of Environmental Communication to foster Circular and Blue Economy.