— International Coral Reef Initiative to focus on protection, sustainability, blue economy growth
Arab News
RIYADH: The 38th meeting of the International Coral Reef Initiative will be held in Jeddah from Sept. 9 to 13, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
Experts, researchers, and decision-makers in marine environment protection from within and outside the Kingdom will attend the event.
The meeting will aim to exchange knowledge, address challenges, and discuss future trends in coral reef protection.
The initiative, comprising 45 countries that cover 75 percent of the world’s coral reefs, serves as a global platform to protect marine ecosystems.
The meeting’s goals include improving coral reef conservation methods against threats like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable fishing, while fostering collaboration between governments, nongovernmental organizations, and private companies.
It will focus on organizing blue economy activities to balance economic development with environmental sustainability, and empowering human capacities through knowledge exchange and training.
The event will also explore ways to raise societal awareness of the importance of coral reefs for biodiversity and the blue economy.
Khaled bin Mohammad Asfahani, CEO of the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s leadership and the organization's regulatory tools to oversee coral reef protection in the Red Sea.
He highlighted the organization’s global recognition and support from international conservation groups, including the International Coral Reef Initiative, due to its resources and expertise.
Asfahani said: “We welcome the arrival of a group of scientists, researchers and decision-makers to engage in a discussion regarding the most recent advancements in coral reef conservation and to share their ideas and experiences.
“This will ensure the sustainability of marine environmental resources and economic development, as well as provide the requisite information to support decision-making.”
Asfahani emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and coral reef protection — reflected in hosting the meeting — which aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering international cooperation, developing human capacities, raising environmental awareness, and advancing research and innovation in marine conservation.
