
‘Coral in Focus’ Premieres at UN Ocean Conference: A Call to Action for Reef Restoration
2025-06-15
Author: Rajesh
A Powerful Documentary Unveiled
In a striking display of innovation and urgency, Samsung and Seatrees unveiled their new documentary, 'Coral in Focus,' at the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, France. This premiere took place on World Oceans Day, June 8, and featured a gripping film screening followed by a panel with experts in marine science, conservation, and technology.
Directors and Themes
Directed by the award-winning Quentin van den Bossche, the film sheds light on the dire threats facing global coral reefs, vital ecosystems that support around a billion people and a quarter of all marine species. This documentary is part of Samsung’s broader initiative to restore coastal ecosystems in regions like Fiji, Indonesia, and the U.S., utilizing Galaxy camera technology to enhance marine recovery efforts.
The Hidden Crisis Beneath the Waves
As ocean temperatures reach alarming highs, a staggering 80% of the world’s reefs suffer from mass bleaching. This disaster—largely unnoticed by the public—endangers biodiversity and food security while also threatening coastal resilience. Long-term strategies in climate action are essential, but immediate restoration efforts driven by cutting-edge technology can help coral reefs withstand these challenges.
Game-Changing Technology for Conservation
Samsung has joined forces with Seatrees and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to innovate in coral restoration. Their new 'Ocean Mode' feature on Galaxy smartphones enables users to capture stunning images of coral reefs in challenging underwater conditions. This advanced feature compensates for color distortions typical in underwater photography, providing a clearer picture of reef health and diversity.
Making a Tangible Difference
Through this collaboration, an impressive 17 3D coral reef models have been created, offering crucial insights into the effectiveness of restoration efforts. To date, over 14,000 coral fragments have been planted across more than 10,000 square meters of reef habitat, illustrating the project’s tangible impact.
An Event with Heart and Purpose
The premiere event at Ocean House, organized with Project Everyone, gathered experts, storytellers, and sustainability advocates, igniting an important dialogue on the role of technology in protecting coral reefs. Quentin van den Bossche remarked, 'Ocean Mode became its own character in our film, illustrating the complex challenges conservationists face and emphasizing the impact of innovative partnerships.'
Voices of Change
Attendees included prominent environmental figures and media representatives who echoed the urgency of collaboration in ocean conservation. Cassie Smith of Samsung highlighted how Galaxy technology doesn't just support responsible sourcing, but actively contributes to coral reef restoration, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts.
Engaging with Ocean Conservation at UNOC
Besides the premiere, Samsung actively participated in discussions at the UNESCO-IOC pavilion, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and digital technology in advancing ocean literacy. The company's commitment to marine conservation was further highlighted in a panel focused on the pivotal role of corals in biodiversity.
A Call to Action for the Future
With a demonstrated commitment to ocean health, 'Coral in Focus' serves as both a wake-up call and a beacon of hope, showing that when communities, scientists, and innovative technologies unite, powerful change is possible for our oceans.