Global action to protect coral reefs through innovative financing, artificial intelligence monitoring and collaboration
JEDDAHSaudi Arabia, January 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi Arabia has officially taken over the secretariat of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) for its 14th term, marking a significant milestone in global coral reef conservation. ICRI represents 102 members, including 45 countries that are custodians of 75% of the world’s coral reefs.
Dr. Khaled Asfahani (right), CEO of the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), and Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem (left), Chief Conservation & Strategy Officer, during the virtual handover ceremony marking Saudi Arabia’s assumption of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) Secretariat for its 14th term. This historic milestone highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in global coral reef conservation efforts.
The Kingdom’s leadership for this three-year term was confirmed by ICRI members at the 38th General Assembly in September 2024, succeeding the United States. Saudi Arabia will play this historic role through the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles of the Red Sea (SHAMS). The virtual handover ceremony was attended by eminent participants, including Ambassador Peter ThomsonSpecial Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Oceans, as well as representatives from IUCN, the United Nations Environment Program, NOAA, the United States Department of State and other entities eminent.
Coral reefs, which are home to 25% of the world’s marine biodiversity, contribute an estimated $9.9 trillion per year in goods and services, underscoring their immense ecological and economic value.
ICRI members are working under the leadership of Saudi Arabia to develop the 2025-2027 action plan. The plan aims to expand membership to 90% of the world’s coral reefs, integrate resilient reef management into global policies and strengthen national biodiversity strategies. Key priorities are to boost the blue economy, advance reef monitoring using innovative technologies, and use findings from the upcoming Status of Coral Reefs of the World study. world): 2025›. Other notable initiatives include the launch of the ICRI Youth Strategy, strengthening collaboration in the Red Sea, South Asia and East Africa regions , and raising global awareness through major events such as the United Nations Ocean Conference.
This milestone highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental management, in line with the ambitious sustainability goals and economic diversification strategy of Vision 2030. It also complements the national strategy for sustainability of the Red Sea, recently launched and announced by HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salmanwhich reinforces the Kingdom’s desire to conserve the unique marine ecosystems of the Red Sea and create a sustainable blue economy.
-Dr. Khaled AsfahaniCEO of SHAMS and President of ICRI, highlighted the importance of this role: “Saudi Arabia’s role as ICRI Secretariat underlines our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for the reefs corals from all over the world. We are deeply grateful to ICRI members for the trust and recognition they have shown in choosing Saudi Arabia to lead this crucial global initiative. Through this leadership, we aim to set new benchmarks in coral reef conservation, leveraging science, innovation and collaboration to drive national and international initiatives. Our goal is to protect these vital ecosystems, ensuring their resilience for future generations while maintaining their invaluable contribution to the global economy. »
About SHAMS
The General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles of the Red Sea (SHAMS) is the government agency responsible for regulating, supervising and ensuring the sustainable management of the coral reef and sea turtle ecosystems of the Red Sea Red, which are exceptional in Saudi Arabia and one of the strongest in the world. Building on its mandate, SHAMS conducts innovative research, implements large-scale restoration projects and develops sustainable management frameworks to safeguard these essential ecosystems.
For more information, visit: http://shams.gov.sa
About ICRI
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a global partnership between nations and organizations working to preserve coral reefs and associated ecosystems around the world. The initiative was founded in 1994 and has since grown to become a network of 102 members, including 45 countries representing more than 75% of the world’s coral reefs.
For more information, visit: www.icriforum.org
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