Inauguration of the First Female Sea Ranger Corps in the Middle East: A Historic Initiative for Conservation

Middle East's First Female Sea Ranger Corps Launched

In a groundbreaking development for marine conservation in the Middle East, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has officially launched the region's first female sea ranger corps. This important initiative was unveiled on World Ranger Day and represents a significant step toward gender inclusion in environmental protection roles. The newly formed ranger team consists of qualified women who will patrol the Reserve's extensive Red Sea coastline, working alongside their male colleagues and the Border Guard.

A Historical Moment for Women in Conservation

Ruqayyah Awadh AlBalawi, a seasoned ranger who joined the Reserve at its inception, expressed her pride in being part of this pioneering group. "I've discovered a whole new world underwater. I am proud to be among the first women at the Reserve to learn swimming and hope to see women in leadership roles, such as skippers of our marine patrols," she stated. This sentiment reflects not only personal achievement but also the broader implications of women entering the traditionally male-dominated conservation sector.

Commitment to Gender Inclusion

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Reserve, highlighted the commitment to gender inclusion, emphasizing that since the Reserve's establishment, integrating women into the workforce has been a top priority, perfectly aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. As it stands, women now constitute 34% of the ranger force—an impressive figure surpassing the global average of 11%. This alignment proves essential, especially given the conservation sector's historical gender disparities.

Supporting the Saudi Green Initiative

This initiative is part of the broader goals outlined in the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to protect 30% of the earth's land and marine areas. The Reserve's rangers will play a crucial role in achieving this objective, as they safeguard both natural and cultural assets, while facilitating sustainable tourism experiences. The responsibilities assigned to these rangers include ecological monitoring, wildlife population management, animal reintroductions, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards in development projects.

Training remains a significant focus, offering women a pathway to meaningful careers in the expanding conservation field, now seen as essential for the nation’s future. Over 35,000 applications were received for ranger positions, demonstrating the high interest in conservation careers within the Kingdom.

Pioneering Marine Education for Women

Notably, prior to this initiative, there were no female sea rangers due to historical barriers in access to swimming training and marine job opportunities. The launch of a dedicated swimming and marine training program in July 2024 marked a turning point. Led by Senior Regional Manager Dominique du Toit, the program has been transformative, culminating in the first seven female sea rangers joining their male peers in patrolling the marine section of the Reserve, which spans 3,856 km².

Dominique praised the dedication shown by the female rangers during their training, which has overcome significant challenges. Each ranger now has the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the marine environment, home to essential ecosystems and diverse species that include Hawksbill and Green turtles, as well as Spinner dolphins and Dugongs. The rationale behind this initiative is clear; women are equipped with vital skills that enhance conservation and ecological monitoring efforts.

A Vision for the Future

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve encompasses roughly 170 kilometers of Red Sea coastline, featuring a rich biodiversity that includes 64% of the Kingdom's coral species and 22% of its fish species. As the Reserve advances its mission to 'Rewild Arabia', assigning female sea rangers to patrolling duties is an inspiring development toward fostering a diverse, competent, and inclusive workforce capable of conserving the Kingdom's unique marine resources. The commitment from the Reserve and its leadership indicates that this initiative is just the beginning of a move toward greater gender equality and ecological preservation in Saudi Arabia.

In conclusion, the establishment of the female sea ranger corps not only showcases a commitment to environmental stewardship but also serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for inclusive practices in all areas of conservation. The Crown Prince's vision is being realized through actions like these, paving the way for a more balanced and sustainable future for the Kingdom's natural heritage.