We Are ETH Where Architecture Meets Marine Biology: Ulrike Pfreundt on Coral Restoration
May 22, 2025
Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt, a marine biologist and ETH alumna, shares her innovative journey in coral reef restoration as co-founder of RRREEFS. She discusses using 3D-printed clay structures for rebuilding lost ecosystems and highlights the urgency of addressing coral bleaching amid climate change. Ulrike reflects on her transition from nature activism to marine science, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration's role in her mission. She candidly addresses challenges in scaling impact and the need for new financial models to support regenerative practices.
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Values Shape Credible Restoration
- RRREEFS centers values on curiosity, respect, passion, and transparency to guide science and community work.
- Ulrike emphasizes avoiding overpromising and being honest about capabilities and limits.
Small Area Restoration, Big Coastal Impact
- Restoring 1% of coral-dependent coastline (≈700 km) by 2034 targets functional protection, not full reef restoration.
- Strategic narrow restorations can re-enable coastal erosion protection across long stretches.
Bleaching Dynamics And Recovery Limits
- Coral bleaching occurs when warming breaks coral–algae symbiosis and can be reversible if brief.
- Prolonged bleaching leads to tissue death and algal overgrowth that prevents coral re-settlement.
