#Saudi Arabia #Jeddah #Coral Reefs #ICRI

Saudi Arabia's New Role in Coral Reef Conservation

On January 9, 2025, Saudi Arabia made headlines by officially assuming the Secretariat of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) for its 14th term. This pivotal leadership role signifies a major step forward in the global effort to protect coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems supporting a significant portion of marine biodiversity.

The ICRI, which was founded in 1994, now includes 102 members, encompassing 45 countries responsible for the oversight of approximately 75% of the world's coral reefs. By taking up this leadership post, Saudi Arabia aims to spearhead international initiatives aimed at combating the threats that these delicate ecosystems face, including climate change and habitat destruction.

During the virtual ceremony marking this transition, key figures from various global organizations participated, including Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, and representatives from the IUCN and NOAA. Dr. Khaled Asfahani, CEO of the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in Saudi Arabia for this significant role. He emphasized, "Our responsibility in this leadership position is to set new benchmarks for coral reef protection through science, innovation, and collaboration."

Coral reefs contribute an astounding $9.9 trillion annually through ecosystem services and are crucial for maintaining biodiversity as they host around 25% of marine species. Under the new leadership, the ICRI members plan to expand their membership to cover 90% of the global coral reefs by developing an action plan for 2025-2027. This strategic plan will integrate resilient reef management into global policies and enhance national biodiversity strategies.

Among the key priorities to be addressed are boosting the blue economy, harnessing innovative technologies to improve reef monitoring, and utilizing findings from the upcoming 'Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025' report. Additionally, a youth strategy will be initiated to engage the next generation in coral conservation efforts, alongside collaborative projects focusing on the Red Sea, South Asia, and East Africa.

This leadership transition aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its ambitious sustainability goals, emphasizing environmental stewardship as a central pillar of its economic diversification strategy. The National Strategy for the Sustainability of the Red Sea, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its unique marine ecosystems and fostering a sustainable blue economy.

As the ICRI Secretariat, Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts will likely set the tone for future international collaborations regarding coral reef preservation. Dr. Asfahani stated, "Our mission is to ensure that these vital ecosystems are protected and their resilience is ensured for future generations while preserving their significant contribution to the global economy."

About SHAMS

The General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) is the governmental body tasked with managing and ensuring the sustainability of the unique coral reef and sea turtle ecosystems in the Red Sea. Known for conducting pioneering research, SHAMS also spearheads extensive restoration projects and sustainable management practices aimed at protecting these vital ecosystems.

About ICRI

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a global partnership formed to protect coral reefs and related ecosystems. As it has evolved over the years, ICRI has become an influential network of countries and organizations championing coral reef conservation, representing both the need for immediate action and long-term commitment to safeguarding our oceans.

For more information, visit SHAMS and ICRI.