KSA Climate Envoy Pledges to Protect Marine Resources

Saudi Arabia’s Climate Affairs Envoy, Cabinet Member, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adel Al-Jubeir, affirmed the Kingdom's commitment to collaborating with the international community to enhance efforts in protecting oceans and marine resources while at ‘Ocean Action: Immersed in Change,’ in San Jose, Costa Rica. The event is in a build up to the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025 jointly hosted by France and Costa Rica.

This two-day event supports the main UN Ocean Conference in 2025, and brought together high-level representatives and maritime experts from around the world. Participants discussed crucial issues such as the ocean’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, the need for sustainable fishing, and combating marine pollution.

Mr. Al-Jubeir stated:

“The Kingdom contributes effectively to regional efforts to protect and preserve the marine environment in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It is also a member of the Regional Authority for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment.”

He also highlighted the Saudi Green Initiative, an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, which is dedicated to protecting 30 percent of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. These efforts align with the Kingdom’s international commitments to protecting global biodiversity and its wider Vision 2030 commitments. During its G20 presidency in 2020, Saudi Arabia spearheaded international efforts by launching the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), complementing worldwide marine environment protection initiatives. This ties to the Kingdoms efforts in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to build a more sustainable and profitable maritime sector.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia actively participates in global negotiations that culminated in a legally binding agreement on the sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdictions. This involvement includes participation in international institutions such as the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), where the Kingdom is a leading Council Member. The Kingdom also demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding marine and coastal ecosystems in the Red Sea by establishing the General Foundation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS).

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to honour the commitments it has made as part of its Vision 2030 plans to build a more sustainable and profitable maritime industry. Saudi Arabia’s active participation in global engagements such as Ocean Action, and the IMO underscores its leadership in marine conservation demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Saudi Arabia’s contributions, alongside those of other nations, play a vital role in preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future for the maritime industry.