Leandro Erlich's 'Concrete Coral' Transforms Miami Beach into Underwater Art Park
Artist Leandro Erlich is set to unveil an innovative underwater sculpture park off Miami Beach on Oct. 20. The 'Concrete Coral' installation, part of The Reefline project, features 22 eco-friendly marine concrete 'cars' that will serve as artificial reefs, promoting biodiversity and raising awareness about environmental restoration.
Each 'car', weighing about 13 tons, is sculpted from marine concrete and seeded with corals. Once submerged, they will provide homes for marine life and bolster Florida's degraded reef system. The installation aims to transform public behaviour towards nature and the environment.
Florida's Reef Tract, the largest reef system in the continental U.S., has suffered severely due to climate change impacts. An unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023 caused extensive bleaching, further damaging the reefs. Miami, as a frontline city, is particularly vulnerable to these changes. The Reefline project hopes to draw locals and tourists, encouraging other cities to embrace ecotourism.
Visitors can snorkel next to the 'Concrete Coral' installation starting in November. By combining art and environmentalism, The Reefline project seeks to inspire appreciation and action for marine conservation. It is a unique initiative that turns a degraded ecosystem into an underwater sculpture park, attracting visitors and fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
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