The Great Barrier Reef biobank design reveals the future for global coral protection

Plans for the world’s first coral biobank in the far north of Queensland are one step closer to reality, with architectural plans revealed today.

If built, the four-story center in Port Douglas, described as a “Noah’s Ark” for the reef, would protect and breed around 800 coral species from around the world.

Architect Monica Earl said the building was designed to resemble a mushroom coral and included an exhibition center, auditorium and research labs.

It would also house corals in hundreds of tanks with temperature and light controls.

“The task was to ensure the future survival of the coral reefs,” Ms. Earl said.

“We decided to think, ‘How do we keep corals comfortable in a building?’ Which is an amazing new way of looking at architecture that usually always focuses on humans.”

Earl said the facility would also be an interactive space so visitors can see the corals and learn about the reef.

The project is led by the non-profit organization Great Barrier Reef Legacy, which is seeking philanthropic support to finance the construction.

The biobank was created to attract tourists

Port Douglas Daintree tourism chief executive Tara Bennett said the biobank would be a major tourist attraction for the region.

“This would really solidify our position as a prime access destination to the Great Barrier Reef,” said Bennett.

“The big question is how to build, but I think now is the time to think big about what tourism will be like in the region in the future.”

He said that although COVID-19 had challenged the region’s tourism industry, it was confident for the future with a number of other major projects in the pipeline.

While Great Barrier Reef Legacy invites investors to come aboard, divers will begin harvesting corals for the biobank next week.