#Saudi Arabia #KAUST #Thuwal #Japan Prize #Carlos Duarte

KAUST's Carlos Duarte Honored with the Prestigious Japan Prize

In a remarkable achievement for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Professor Carlos M. Duarte has been awarded the highly esteemed Japan Prize, an accolade often dubbed as the "Japanese Nobel Prize". This honor recognizes Professor Duarte, an Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor of Marine Science, for his groundbreaking work in marine ecology, particularly regarding the significant role of blue carbon ecosystems in combating climate change.

The announcement, made on April 16, 2025, highlights how Professor Duarte's extensive research has dramatically shifted the global understanding of how oceanic solutions can provide critical responses to pressing environmental issues. His investigations into blue carbon ecosystems, which include seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes, have shown that these critical habitats, despite covering only 0.2% of the ocean floor, are responsible for sequestering around 50% of the carbon buried in marine sediments every year. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing blue carbon ecosystems as nature-based solutions to combat climate change, thereby restoring biodiversity and ecological balance.

The award is not just a personal accolade for Professor Duarte; it also signifies KAUST's dedication to pioneering research and positions Saudi Arabia as a significant player in global sustainability efforts. Professor Sir Edward Byrne, President of KAUST, stated, "Professor Duarte's recognition is a testament to our commitment to cutting-edge research and advancing the Saudi Green Initiative in alignment with Vision 2030." This recognition marks KAUST as the only university in the MENA region to receive such a prestigious global honor, demonstrating its global impact on marine conservation and scientific innovation.

Following the ceremony in Tokyo, presided over by Emperor Naruhito, Professor Duarte expressed his humility in receiving the Japan Prize. He stated, "This honor acknowledges the extraordinary potential of our oceans in restoring planetary health. I hope this spotlight on blue carbon inspires a new wave of ambition, particularly among younger generations of scientists and leaders, to embrace nature-based solutions and work collaboratively to address the climate crisis."

Beyond his research laurels, Professor Duarte has been instrumental in advising on national marine conservation strategies within Saudi Arabia. His expertise extends into the global arena where he has significantly contributed to shaping marine conservation policies as the Executive Director of the Coral Research Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). This G20 initiative aims to expedite innovative solutions for coral reef restoration globally, showcasing the critical intersection of science and policy in addressing environmental challenges.

The Japan Prize honors individuals whose exceptional achievements contribute to the advancement of society and environmental sustainability, and Professor Duarte’s work exemplifies this commitment. This award follows the recognition of another KAUST scientist, Jean M. J. Fréchet, who won in 2013 for his innovative work in semiconductor manufacturing.

As KAUST continues to shape the future of scientific research, Professor Duarte's achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration, elucidating the indispensable role of marine ecosystems in our ongoing fight against climate change. Looking ahead, it is pivotal that the spotlight on blue carbon drives collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to safeguard our oceans and climate for generations to come.