Farasan Islands: Saudi Arabia’s Rising Global Powerhouse for Nature Conservation
With its coral islands, vibrant marine life, and diverse coastal habitats, the Farasan Islands have emerged as a compelling expression of nature conservation in action.
Located in Jazan, the Farasan Islands Protected Area has reached three major international conservation milestones, strengthening its growing global profile.
According to the National Center for Wildlife, the area joined UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme in 2021, entered the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 2025, and secured a place on the IUCN Green List in 2026, recognizing its advanced approach to environmental governance and biodiversity protection.
Protecting Red Sea Biodiversity
Standing out as one of Saudi Arabia’s prestigious marine protected areas, the Farasan Islands mirror the Kingdom’s growing efforts to preserve biodiversity and boost the resilience of its natural ecosystems.
More vividly, the area demonstrates how protecting valuable natural resources can go hand in hand with sustainable development, aligned with internationally recognized conservation practices.
Spanning 5,657 square kilometers, the Farasan Islands Protected Area stretches across an archipelago of 266 coral islands, boasting a vast landscape of remarkable ecological diversity.
Remarkably, its diverse habitats provide a home to an exceptional range of wildlife, featuring 180 plant species, 150 bird species, and 230 fish species, spotlighting the ecological wealth of the Red Sea.
Equally significant, the protected area serves as a vital haven for Farasan gazelles, dugongs, and endangered sea turtles, solidifying its position as one of the Red Sea’s richest natural environments.
Complemented by lush mangroves and coral reefs, the protected area is distinctively enriched by historic sites and unique ecotourism attractions.
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