In the warm waters of the southern Pacific, near the remote island of Malaulalo, the scientists identified the larger living coral colony ever observed. It is a specimen of Pavona Clavusan extraordinary “underwater cathedral” that measures 34 meters wide, 32 meters in length and 5.5 meters highexceeding 12 meters the previous American record recorded in the American Samoa.
The discovery took place during a mission of the project Pristine Seas Of National Geographicled by the videographer Manu San Félix. The team, engaged in the exploration of an area deemed home to relics naval, came across this living wonder by pure chance.
According to San Félix:
It is impressive to see something so large and ancient – cyrca 300 years – to be able to profound environmental changes.
Unlike traditional coral reefs, made up of multiple genetically different colonies, this specimen is a single body, made up of millions of small polyps that work together in symbiosis.
The most surprising aspect is its longevity: this colony has resisted for three centuries, facing environmental conditions that have decimated entire coral ecosystems. His extraordinary resilience makes him a symbol of hope for the survival of the planet’s coral reefs.
A lesson from nature
Although this discovery is extraordinary, the global picture of coral reef is alarming. The heating of the oceans, caused by climate changecaused widespread bleaching phenomena and the death of vast portions of corals, linked to the loss of the symbiotic algae from which nourishment draw.
Even in the Solomon Islands, the most superficial coral reefs are suffering due to the increase in temperatures and pollution. However, this mega coral is found at greater depths and in fresher waters, which may have helped him to resist thermal stress. Scientists consider this specimen fundamental to understand how some corals manage to survive And to develop effective conservation strategies, at a time when it is estimated that 44% of hard coral species risks extinction.
The Solomon Islands on the front line for the protection of corals
This extraordinary discovery gave new impetus to Environmental protection initiatives in the Solomon Islands. The local indigenous communities have asked the government to establish a protected area around the waters of Malaulalo. During the Cop29 summit, the Minister of the Climate Trevor Manemahaga highlighted the importance of corals for the economy and ecology of the archipelago, also asking sustainable solutions to stop deforestationone of the causes of the destruction of the coral habitats.
Internationally, this discovery strengthens the urgency of finance conservation and adaptation programs to climate change. The coral reefs not only protect the coasts and host incredible biodiversity, but also guarantee the survival of millions of people.
The mega coral of the Solomon Islands thus becomes a Resilience emblemcapable of offering fundamental responses for the protection of marine ecosystems and to inspire a new respect for nature, in an era marked by profound climate change.
