Saudi Arabia To Lead Global Coral Reef Protection Efforts At 38th ICRI Meeting

The 38th general meeting of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is set to take place in Jeddah from September 9 to 13. This event will gather experts, researchers, and decision-makers in marine environment protection from both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. The primary goal is to share experiences and knowledge while discussing current challenges and future trends in coral reef conservation.

ICRI comprises 45 countries that cover 75% of the world's coral reefs. This international platform aims to protect and preserve coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems globally. The meeting's objective is to enhance methods for conserving coral reefs from various threats, including climate change, pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and other blue economy activities.

The event will also address the need to organize blue economy activities to balance economic development with environmental sustainability. It will focus on developing human capabilities through knowledge exchange and training by scientists, researchers, and decision-makers to strengthen coral reef protection mechanisms worldwide.

Another key aim of the meeting is to foster collaboration among governments, NGOs, and private companies to tackle challenges facing coral reefs. The gathering will explore ways to increase societal awareness about the importance of coral reefs and their critical role in biodiversity and the blue economy.

General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (Shams) CEO Dr. Khaled bin Mohammad Asfahani expressed gratitude for the support from Saudi leadership. He stated that "the organization is fortunate to have the support of the wise leadership. It has been equipped with the requisite regulatory tools to oversee, regulate, and protect coral reefs and their associated ecosystems in the Red Sea."

International Cooperation

Dr. Asfahani highlighted that Shams has received attention and continued support from international organizations involved in coral reef conservation, such as ICRI. This support is due to its financial resources and human competencies.

"We are honored to have the Kingdom host the 38th general meeting. We welcome the arrival of a group of scientists, researchers, and decision makers to engage in a discussion regarding the most recent advancements in coral reef conservation and to share their ideas and experiences," he added.

Commitment to Sustainability

The Kingdom's commitment to preserving the marine environment is evident through its hosting of this significant event. Dr. Asfahani noted that this demonstrates Saudi Arabia's dedication to sustainable development by balancing economic growth with coral reef protection.

The event underscores Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance international cooperation and establish new partnerships aimed at improving sustainable development standards for marine environments. It also focuses on developing national human competencies, raising environmental awareness within society, and increasing research innovations for protecting coral reefs.

This initiative aligns with one of the pillars of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes environmental sustainability alongside economic progress.

With inputs from SPA