NCW Program to assess state of marine ecosystems in RED SEA

The Saudi National Centre for Wildlife (NCW) has recently undertaken a commendable initiative to assess the state of marine ecosystems in the Red Sea. Launched on the 20th of July, this program aims to examine the health and condition of various marine habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and the species associated with them.

The Kingdom includes many coastal ecosystems, The Red Sea It is considered one of the greatest reservoirs of marine biodiversity in the world, and the most important characteristic of this tremendous diversity of coral reefs, with its uniquely complex structure and high endemicity. This underwater eco-system is home to over 300 species of coral and 1,000 species of fish, 10% of which are found nowhere else in the world.

The effort to evaluate the condition of these marine ecosystems is of utmost importance to the preservation and development of environmental habitats in Saudi Arabia. The field survey conducted by the NCW will provide valuable insights into the current situation of these crucial marine habitats and the collected data will enable policymakers and conservationists to make informed decisions regarding the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of these ecosystems.

More than 450 sites, stretching from Haqi in the north to the Farasan Islands in the south, will be surveyed as part of this comprehensive field study, 24 sites already surveyed in the area between Jeddah and Haql in the Saudi waters of the Red Sea, and the study showed that the diversity of corals in one site ranged from 52 to 111 species, and the percentage of coral cover at one site ranged between 11-30% to 51-75. %.

the Saudi National Centre for Wildlife has taken a commendable step towards assessing and preserving the state of marine ecosystems in the Red Sea. Through this program, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not only preserving its natural heritage but also aligning with the objectives of its Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development, and diversifying its economy and demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and serve as a role model for other nations striving towards a greener future.