Minecraft
, the Xbox franchise , recently presented the Minecraft Coral Crafters program , an initiative that seeks to create and preserve coral reefs in the beaches of Cozumel, Mexico , a region where coral reefs have suffered discolorations and bleaching , taking damage from storms and hurricanes .
Coral reefs are home to around two million species (which amounts to 25% of marine life) , and according to the World Wildlife Fund , almost a third of coral reefs around the world are damaged beyond repair . Reefs are currently endangered due to several factors such as climate change, unsustainable fishing methods, and water pollution , to mention a few.
The Minecraft Coral Crafters program’s task is to anchor steel structures in the deep sea through Biorock technology , which stimulates the water surrounding the structure with low-voltage electrical currents , causing the minerals at the bottom of the sea to go through a crystallization process, forming a natural coating over the structure, similar to the material were coral reefs are formed naturally.
As part of the program, six different structures are to be placed in Mexican beaches to help the region’s coral reef areas. The design of the first three structures is based on some of Minecraft ’s most iconic characters: Alex, Steve, and a sea turtle . The other three designs have been put to vote.
Youtuber Rabahrex, at the American Institute of Monterrey
Youtuber StacyPlays
will invite her community to participate with creative designs through her YouTube channel.
Another Youtuber, Rabahrex , who specializes in Minecraft, in cooperation with students from the American Institute of Monterrey , has created a design based on the Axolotl, an endemic Mexican water creature with the fascinating capacity to regenerate its limbs.
The Axolotl design, by students of the American Institute of Monterrey
Logdotzip
has created three more options for the final design, which will be chosen through a vote via Facebook.
With this kind of initiative, Xbox reaffirms its commitment to the environment while continuing to encourage creativity and programming through the Minecraft franchise.
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