Riyadh Launches Project to Assess Marine Habitats in Saudi Waters
In an effort to protect and preserve marine environments in the Arabian Gulf’s Saudi waters, the National Center for Wildlife Development (NCWD) has launched a groundbreaking project. The goal of this initiative is to assess the state of marine habitats and develop an integrated management plan to ensure the sustainability of these valuable ecosystems.
NCWD’s CEO, Mohammed Ali Qurban, emphasized the importance of building a baseline for preserving biodiversity and reducing threats to marine environments. The project will focus on evaluating coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and the diverse marine species that inhabit these areas.
With an area exceeding 27,000 square kilometers, Saudi waters in the Gulf are home to crucial marine habitats that support a wide range of species. However, these ecosystems are at risk from human activities that pose natural threats. The project aims to identify these risks and implement solutions to mitigate them.
By collecting valuable data on the condition of coastal habitats, the project will enable NCWD and other stakeholders to design effective preservation and rehabilitation plans. Continuous monitoring and management will be essential to sustain these ecosystems in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The data provided by the project will serve as a cornerstone for conservation efforts and help guide future initiatives to protect and manage Saudi Arabia’s marine environments. With a focus on sustainability and biodiversity, this project marks a significant step towards safeguarding the country’s valuable marine habitats.