Developing and implementing an extensive, Red Sea-wide coral reef baseline survey within the KSA, in support of the Saudi Vision 2030, will underpin 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. Unlike more extensively studied regions (e.g., Great Barrier Reef, Coral Triangle, Caribbean Sea), the current understanding of the Red Sea's coral reefs is quickly evolving, but further understanding can immensely benefit from government-led programs. A comprehensive coral reef baseline survey will inform sustainable management strategies, ensuring the KSA Red Sea longevity, while also supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to be a global leader in sustainable development. Additionally, coral reefs are globally threatened by the increasing severity of climate change-induced ocean warming, leading to widespread coral mortality, biodiversity loss, and shifts to algae-dominated ecosystems, that fail to support the same level of marine life or the human communities dependent on them. Establishing this coral reef survey baseline is thus a proactive step to understand and mitigate such threats within the Red Sea, while aligning with KSA sustainable development goals.
CORAL CONSERVATION PROJECTS
The goal of this project is to conduct a comprehensive coral reef baseline survey, which can then be used to understand the health and status of the KSA Red Sea coral reef ecosystems, while also informing conservation, management strategies and restoration activities. The key aspects of a coral reef baseline survey include measuring coral and fish community biodiversity, composition, and assemblage structure, while also documenting levels of coral recruitment, health and disease. The outcomes of this coral reef baseline survey will support the development of high-resolution mapping of the KSA Red Sea, through the generation of high-quality data and associated data visualisation.
The survey will provide key baseline data points in the KSA Red Sea, which adhere to regional and international best practices. Data collected will also be pivotal for layering high-resolution habitat mapping, informing conservation strategies, ecosystem-based management of marine resources, and restoration efforts that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals. This project is expected to take three years.
The outputs of this project will significantly contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of KSA Red Sea coral reefs. Such outputs will include the establishment of a scientifically rigorous coral reef survey framework, the generation and effective visualization of high-quality survey data and the fostering of collaborations and strategic partnerships. Each of these components plays a crucial role in understanding, preserving, and ensuring the health and diversity of KSA Red Sea coral reef ecosystems, ensuring that the project's findings are not only scientifically robust but also applicable for conservation efforts and policymaking.
Coral Reef Baseline Assessment
Developing and implementing an extensive, Red Sea-wide coral reef baseline survey within the KSA, in support of the Saudi Vision 2030, will underpin 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. Unlike more extensively studied regions (e.g., Great Barrier Reef, Coral Triangle, Caribbean Sea), the current understanding of the Red Sea's coral reefs is quickly evolving, but further understanding can immensely benefit from government-led programs. A comprehensive coral reef baseline survey will inform sustainable management strategies, ensuring the KSA Red Sea longevity, while also supporting Saudi Arabia's ambition to be a global leader in sustainable development. Additionally, coral reefs are globally threatened by the increasing severity of climate change-induced ocean warming, leading to widespread coral mortality, biodiversity loss, and shifts to algae-dominated ecosystems, that fail to support the same level of marine life or the human communities dependent on them. Establishing this coral reef survey baseline is thus a proactive step to understand and mitigate such threats within the Red Sea, while aligning with KSA sustainable development goals.
Coral reefs are incredible natural assets, offering a wide range of benefits to millions of people. These benefits, known as ecosystem services, include everything from boosting eco-tourism and fishing industries to protecting coastal communities from extreme weather. The concept of natural capital helps us understand the full value of these ecosystems, combining the benefits they provide us with and the precious natural resources they contain.
Natural capital
Coral reefs are incredible natural assets, offering a wide range of benefits to millions of people. These benefits, known as ecosystem services, include everything from boosting eco-tourism and fishing industries to protecting coastal communities from extreme weather. The concept of natural capital helps us understand the full value of these ecosystems, combining the benefits they provide us with and the precious natural resources they contain.