Saudi Arabia celebrated World Ocean Day on the 8th of June 2023

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated World Ocean Day on June 8th at the International Maritime Organization in London at IMO HQ. World Ocean Day is organized by the United Nations with the goal to underscore the pivotal role of oceans play 2023 theme is “Planet Oceans.”

Saudi Arabia is working towards reducing ocean pollution, protecting marine life, and developing sustainable maritime policies both domestically and internationally at the International Maritime Organization.

Ms. Hayat Al-Yabis, the Alternate Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the IMO, reflected on the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting the oceans; “as an elected Council Member, Saudi Arabia, actively engages in IMO to advance projects and policies that protect the marine environment and safeguard biodiversity. The Kingdom was proud to reaffirm its support and commitment to funding GloFouling and GloLitter in 2023-2024 both projects work to preserve marine ecosystems and advance UNSDG 14 of Life Below Water.”

Through engagement at the IMO, KSA has committed to policies and projects for ocean protection:

· Funding GloFouling

· Funding GloLitter

· Funding IMO CARES

· Joining the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 1973)

· Joining the “Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks” 2007

· Joining the “International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships” 2001

Domestically, the Kingdom has mobilized marine conservation initiatives to advance the protection of the oceans in line with the objectives of Vision2030 and the National Strategy for Transport and Logistic Services.

Notably:

o The Saudi Green Initiative that aims to protect 30% of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine environments

o King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has launched the world’s largest coral reef restoration initiative (KRRI).

o Red Sea Global is actively working to establish protected marine areas, promoting responsible development and regenerative tourism.

o NEOM supports rich biodiversity and has the world’s largest coral garden. Some 95% of land and sea in NEOM will be protected areas.

o SABIC is researching and identifying projects in the Red Sea and beyond to clean up plastic from oceans and is an active participant in Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW).

As an IMO Council Member, Saudi Arabia will continue to build pathways of cooperation to protect our oceans and the ecosystems they support.