Expand scientific knowledge on Red Sea coral reefs and sea turtles.
WHAT IS SHAMS DOING?
Our work supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, national strategies and international commitments. We will ensure holistic management of coral reefs (One reef ecosystem) and sea turtle populations that is guided by research. We will champion a collaborative model that is inclusive of all relevant local stakeholders and drives regional and international conservation actions in response to common pressures.
What are our initiatives?
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Drive science-based conservation of coral reefs and sea turtles.
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Promote the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s coral reefs and sea turtles as national icons and boost sustainable enjoyment, awareness and expertise.
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Build partnerships to elevate conservation outcomes and achieve global recognition.
Our Work
Coral Reef Baseline Assessment
SHAMS is developing and implementing an extensive, Red Sea-wide coral reef baseline survey within the KSA, in support of the Saudi Vision 2030, underpinning efforts in economic diversification, environmental conservation, and tourism enhancement. A baseline survey is an initial set of data that measures the current state of specific conditions before any intervention or development project begins, serving as a crucial reference point for future assessments. This baseline survey will help us understand the health and status of the KSA Red Sea coral reef ecosystems, while also informing conservation, management strategies and restoration activities.
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Habitat Mapping
SHAMS will produce accurate habitat maps for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia coral reef ecosystems. Habitat maps are detailed visual representations of different natural environments and ecological areas, specifically designed to highlight the distribution and characteristics of various habitats within a specific region. Habitat maps of the Saudi Arabian coral reef ecosystems are a keystone of many conservation efforts, management strategies and restoration activities.
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Coral Restoration at Jeddah waters
Jeddah's coral reefs are bustling with life, home to vibrant corals, diverse fish, and many other species that rely on the reefs for food and nesting. But they're under threat. Coastal construction, pollution from boats, overfishing, tourism, climate change, diseases, and harmful invaders have damaged a lot of these underwater communities. To bring back their rich diversity and make sure they can withstand future challenges, SHAMS is actively engaged in implementing coral restoration efforts by involving the local community and applying global best-practices.
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Natural Capital
Thinking of coral reefs as a form of natural wealth, including both renewable and non-renewable resources, shows just how valuable these ecosystems are. To understand and make the most of these benefits, SHAMS aims to implement natural capital accounting (a framework for assessing the value provided by an ecosystem). This method helps governments and organizations figure out the value of ecosystems, not just for the resources they offer but also for the services they provide to us all.
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Identification of Human impacts
The coral reefs in the Red Sea bring significant benefits to Saudi Arabia, yet they are at risk. Human activities are causing problems, such as the warming of the ocean due to climate change, leading to coral bleaching and the death of many coral species. Additionally, pollution from the coast, saltier waters from desalination plants, overfishing, and the boom in tourism developments threaten these precious ecosystems. Therefore, SHAMS aims to understand the current factors affecting Red Sea coral reefs and assess their potential impact on these ecosystems in the future. This knowledge is essential to create plans to manage and minimize these impacts, ensuring the long-term survival of these vital ecosystems
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