Saudi Arabia has officially assumed its position as the Secretariat of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) for its 14th term.
The ICRI is a global organization that aims to protect the planet’s coral reefs. The Kingdom’s leadership of the ICRI marks an important milestone in global coral reef conservation, as Saudi Arabia has made notable strides in protecting coral reefs and the marine environment.
Taking the Helm of ICRI
The ICRI is a global partnership for the preservation of the world’s coral reefs and associated ecosystems. Established in 1994, the ICRI is a joint initiative representing 102 members, 45 of which are countries which hold 75% of the world’s coral reefs.
Saudi Arabia has succeeded the US as Chair of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) for the term the 2025 – 2027, after its leadership was confirmed by members during the ICRI’s 38th General Meeting in September 2024.
The Kingdom’s General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) will lead this historic role.
Several distinguished attendees participated in the virtual handover ceremony on Friday, including the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, as well as representatives from IUCN, UN Environment Program, NOAA, the US Department of State and other respectable entities.
Leading Future Plans
Coral reefs have huge ecological and economic value. They sustain 25% of the world’s marine biodiversity and account for an estimated US$9.9 trillion annually in goods and services.
Under Saudi Arabia’s leadership, ICRI members will work to develop the 2025–2027 Action Plan. The plan intends to expand ICRI membership to include countries representing 90% of global coral reefs, integrating resilient reef management into global policies and enhancing national biodiversity strategies.
This prioritizes bolstering the blue economy, integrating innovative technologies in reef monitoring, and capitalizing on insights from the upcoming “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025” report.
Moreover, the Action Plan includes other initiatives such as the launch of ICRI’s Youth Strategy, fostering collaboration in the Red Sea, South Asia and East Africa regions, and raising global awareness through major events such as the UN Ocean Conference.
Commitment to Coral Reef Protection
Assuming the Secretariat of the ICRI underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental responsibility, in line with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 and its economic diversification plans.
The position also aligns with the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, recently announced by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The strategy aims to protect marine ecosystems and support local communities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing Saudi Arabia’s transition to a blue economy.
On this occasion, CEO of SHAMS and Chair of ICRI, Khaled Asfahani, said: “Saudi Arabia’s role as ICRI Secretariat underscores our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for coral reefs worldwide.”
He added: “Through this leadership, we aim to set new benchmarks in coral reef conservation, leveraging science, innovation, and collaboration to drive both national and international initiatives. Our goal is to protect these vital ecosystems, ensuring their resilience for future generations while maintaining their invaluable contributions to the global economy.”
Firm Position on Coral Reef Conservation
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly confirmed its dedication to protecting coral reefs and marine environments. Coral reefs face a myriad of threats, including climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.
In 2021, the Kingdom established the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS). It is a governmental body responsible for ensuring the sustainable management of Saudi Arabia’s exceptional Red Sea coral reefs and resilient sea turtle ecosystems.
SHAMS spearheads groundbreaking research, undertakes large-scale restoration projects, and develops sustainable management frameworks to safeguard these critical ecosystems.
Driving Global Efforts
In September 2024, Saudi Arabia hosted the Red Sea Coral Reef Forum in Jeddah. During the forum, the Kingdom emphasized its position on protecting coral reefs and marine ecosystems, in line with sustainable development goals.
SHAMS CEO, Khaled Asfahani, said that “SHAMS is dedicated to safeguarding the marine environment in the Kingdom, but its ambitions extend beyond borders.” He called for increased cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, both in the Red Sea and worldwide, with the aim of preserving and protecting natural heritage.
“The Red Sea Coral Reef Forum 2024 reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing its position as a global hub for scientific research and environmental dialogue, and highlighting its leading efforts in preserving natural heritage and promoting environmental sustainability,” SHAMS said in a press release.
Ambitious Projects
As part of its commitment to conserving marine ecosystems, Saudi Arabia has embarked on several projects to protect coral reefs and marine environments. In April 2024, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in collaboration with NEOM, announced a Red Sea project, poised to be the world’s largest coral reef restoration.
The KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative (KCRI) features a cutting-edge nursery on the coast of NEOM in northwest Saudi Arabia, which will initially produce 40,000 corals per year, with plans to expand to an annual capacity of 400,000 corals by the end of 2025.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has made efforts to protect the Red Sea ecosystem, including turtles. In November 2024, the Kingdom hosted the First International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Red Sea.
Under the theme “Towards the Future: Advancing Sea Turtle Protection in the Red Sea through Science, Collaboration, and Innovation,” the symposium brought together a group of local and international experts and researchers to review the latest scientific research, discuss innovative solutions to protect endangered species, and strengthen international collaboration.
The symposium was part of SHAMS initiatives to protect sea turtles, raise environmental awareness, and establish advanced conservation policies.
