Saudi Arabia Hosts Conservation Forum to Support Coral Reef Restoration in the Red Sea

From November 11th to 13th, 2024, SHAMS (the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea) hosted the First Saudi Arabian Red Sea Coral Restoration Forum in order to help support marine conservation in the Kingdom. Bringing together experts from government bodies, the private sector, academia, and NGOs, the forum marked a decisive step toward enhancing collaboration and developing effective restoration strategies for the Red Sea's unique coral ecosystems. 

Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in the realm of marine conservation can be seen by its active participation in international maritime organisations and initiatives, particularly through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The forum’s objectives align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, which prioritise environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources as part of the broader agenda for economic diversification. SHAMS, established in 2021, plays an important role in these efforts, focusing on protecting the Red Sea’s coral reefs and sea turtle populations through innovative research and restoration projects. 

The Red Sea, stretching over 2,000 kilometres and featuring some of the most biologically diverse coral reefs in the world, is a vital natural asset for Saudi Arabia. Its unique environmental conditions, including high temperatures and salinity, mean that many species of marine lifeforms are found exclusively in this region. However, this delicate ecosystem is under threat from climate change, coastal development, pollution and overfishing, making conservation efforts more urgent than ever. 

The forum served as a platform for discussing the latest scientific approaches to coral restoration, with sessions focused on innovative techniques such as natural capital accounting, which evaluates the ecological and economic value of marine ecosystems. These discussions highlighted the need for comprehensive habitat mapping and baseline surveys to inform future conservation strategies. SHAMS is spearheading such initiatives, developing detailed habitat maps and conducting extensive surveys to establish a reference point for the health of coral ecosystems, laying the groundwork for long-term monitoring and intervention. 

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasises sustainable development and SHAMS's initiatives reflect this commitment. The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to a cohesive conservation strategy that will ensure the long-term resilience of coral reefs in the Red Sea, setting a precedent for regional and international collaboration in marine protection. 

By hosting this event, SHAMS underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to preserving its marine biodiversity and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in global conservation efforts. The initiatives discussed at the forum are crucial for safeguarding the Red Sea's coral reefs, not just for their intrinsic ecological value but also for their economic and cultural significance, so that they can flourish and be sustained for generations to come.