Intelligent Technologies for Coral Reefs, Mangroves, and Sustainable Coastal Futures
Intelligent Technologies for Coral Reef
Title:
Intelligent Technologies for Coral Reefs, Mangroves, and Sustainable Coastal Futures
Abstract:
Coastal ecosystems—particularly coral reefs and mangroves—are critical to biodiversity, climate
resilience, and local livelihoods, yet they face escalating threats from climate change, pollution, and
unsustainable human activity. In this keynote, we explore how intelligent technologies, including
artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and autonomous systems, are transforming the monitoring,
restoration, and conservation of these fragile environments. We will examine cutting-edge applications
such as AI-powered image analysis for real-time coral health assessment, machine learning-driven
acoustic monitoring to detect illegal fishing, and satellite-based mangrove deforestation tracking with
predictive analytics. These innovations enable faster, more precise interventions—from identifying early
signs of coral bleaching to prioritizing reforestation efforts in vulnerable coastal zones. However,
deploying these technologies in marine environments presents unique challenges, including data
scarcity, harsh environmental conditions, and the need for energy-efficient edge AI solutions. We will
discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, such as collaborative data-sharing frameworks and low-
cost drone-based sensing tailored for remote coastal areas. By integrating intelligent technologies with
traditional conservation practices, we can build sustainable coastal futures that protect both ecosystems
and the communities that depend on them. The future of coastal conservation is not just digital—it is
adaptive, scalable, and intelligently interconnected.
Bio:
Mohd Rizal Arshad is recognized as an expert in control and robotics system; especially on the
applications of marine intelligent robotics system and has been conducting R&D activities for more than
25 years. He received his B.Eng. in Medical Electronics and Instrumentation from the University of
Liverpool in 1994, MSc. in Electronic Control Engineering from the University of Salford in 1995 and PhD
in Electronic Engineering in 1999 (Univ. of Liverpool). Prof. Rizal has supervised many postgraduate
students and has published extensively in local and international publications. He is a Chartered
Engineer with the UK Engineering Council, an IEEE senior member, founding chair of IEEE Ocean
Engineering Society (OES) Malaysia, recipient of IEEE OES Presidential Award 2019 and, recently
appointed as one of IEEE OES Distinguished Lecturers (DLs) for 2024-2026. In Nov 2024, he was elected
as the Fellow of Academy of Science Malaysia (ASM).
s, Mangroves, and Sustainable Coastal Futures
Date and Time
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- Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Malaysia
- Starts 13 June 2025 02:00 PM UTC
- Ends 27 October 2025 02:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge