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An atoll of cement and plastic

Artificial islands made of recycled plastic will conserve coral populations

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Chinese designers have come up with an original way to preserve the biodiversity of the world's oceans, which are rapidly shrinking due to rising water temperatures. They have invented modular floating islands made of recycled waste, the underwater part of which is an artificial coral reef.

The materials used to create the artificial reefs - cement and powdered oyster shells - prevent the oceans from becoming acidic. The corals that they give life to can be transplanted into their natural habitats as adults.

The hexagonal islands themselves will serve as recreational areas for people: they can be connected to each other like a honeycomb, forming artificial beaches, protected pools and even bridges between two pieces of land.

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