Farasan Islands Achieve Status As Saudi Arabia's First Registered Marine Reserve Under Ramsar Convention

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has announced that the Farasan Islands Reserve is now listed in the Ramsar Convention List of Wetlands of International Importance. This makes it the first marine reserve in Saudi Arabia to gain such recognition. This step aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to protect ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

Inclusion in the Ramsar Convention comes a year after Saudi Arabia joined the agreement in 2024. The NCW represents the Kingdom's commitment to conserving biodiversity and restoring sensitive habitats. This move supports global efforts to protect both terrestrial and coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Mohammad Qurban, CEO of NCW, stated: "The listing represents a strategic milestone in the Kingdom’s environmental trajectory, reflecting the scale of institutional progress achieved in the protection of wetlands and the conservation of migratory waterbirds in line with international practices." He emphasised that this achievement highlights environmental sustainability and nature-based solutions.

The Farasan Islands Reserve is a vital natural site in the Red Sea, featuring diverse ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries. It provides a habitat for rare species and serves as an important stopover for migratory waterbirds traveling between continents.

Dr. Qurban also noted that this accomplishment enhances Saudi Arabia's ability to tackle environmental challenges. It strengthens economic and social benefits while promoting cooperation at national, regional, and international levels to support sustainable development goals worldwide.

This recognition marks significant progress for Saudi Arabia in international environmental agreements. It underscores the Kingdom's dedication to preserving natural resources and enriching biodiversity through strategic initiatives.

The inclusion of Farasan Islands Reserve on this prestigious list not only boosts Saudi Arabia's presence globally but also reinforces its role in safeguarding critical ecosystems for future generations.

With inputs from SPA