Saudi Arabia Takes Lead in Global Coral Reef Conservation at ICRI

Saudi Arabia officially assumed the chairmanship of the 14th term of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) on January 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems. The virtual handover ceremony saw Saudi Arabia take over from the United States, with the Kingdom chosen to lead for three years after a unanimous vote by ICRI members during the 38th general meeting in Jeddah last September. The initiative boasts 102 members, including 45 countries that are home to 75% of the world’s coral reefs.

Context and Background

The International Coral Reef Initiative is a global partnership dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of coral reefs. Saudi Arabia’s leadership role reflects its growing influence in environmental diplomacy and aligns with its broader strategic goals under Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s representation will be led by the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), the world’s only government agency solely focused on coral reef and turtle conservation. The handover ceremony featured notable figures, including the UN secretary-general’s special envoy for the ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, along with representatives from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of State.

Key Details

Under Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship, the ICRI will focus on developing the 2025–2027 plan of action to expand membership to cover 90% of the world’s coral reefs. Key priorities include integrating coral reef management into global policies and boosting national biodiversity strategies. The Kingdom aims to promote the blue economy, enhance coral reef monitoring with cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and utilize insights from the upcoming “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025” report. Additional initiatives include launching a strategy named after the younger generation; strengthening cooperation in the Red Sea, South Asia, and East Africa; and raising global awareness through events like the UN Ocean Conference. Khaled Asfahani, SHAMS chief executive and ICRI chair, emphasized the Kingdom’s focus on Red Sea coral reefs, stating that SHAMS boasts exceptional professionals and enjoys strong leadership support.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship reinforces its role as a global leader in environmental stewardship. The new plan of action aims to set a benchmark for international coral reef conservation, potentially influencing policies in regions like the Red Sea, South Asia, and East Africa. By leveraging AI and advanced monitoring technologies, the Kingdom is expected to drive innovation in marine ecology. The move also strengthens ties with key international bodies such as the UN and IUCN, enhancing collaborative efforts to address climate change impacts on coral reefs worldwide. As Asfahani noted, the chairmanship “reflects the international community’s trust in our effective steps to protect the environment and our solid commitment to a sustainable future for coral reefs worldwide”.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the ICRI aligns directly with Vision 2030 goals for environmental sustainability and economic diversification. By promoting the blue economy and leveraging marine resources responsibly, the Kingdom is advancing its ambition to become a global hub for innovation and conservation. This role underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving ecosystems for future generations while maximizing contributions to the global economy, as highlighted by Asfahani. The Kingdom’s efforts in coral reef conservation are a testament to its proactive approach to tackling global environmental challenges, positioning it as a key partner for international cooperation in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)?

A1. The International Coral Reef Initiative is a global partnership of 102 members, including 45 countries, focused on preserving and sustainably managing coral reefs worldwide.

Q2. When did Saudi Arabia assume the ICRI chairmanship?

A2. Saudi Arabia assumed the 14th term chairmanship on January 9, 2025, during a virtual handover ceremony from the United States.

Q3. How long will Saudi Arabia lead the ICRI?

A3. Saudi Arabia will chair the ICRI for three years, following a unanimous vote by members in September 2024.

Q4. What organization represents Saudi Arabia in this role?

A4. The General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) represents Saudi Arabia in the ICRI chairmanship.

Q5. Why is SHAMS unique in the world?

A5. SHAMS is the world’s only government entity entirely dedicated to the conservation of coral reefs and turtles.

Q6. Who is Khaled Asfahani?

A6. Khaled Asfahani is the chief executive of SHAMS and the ICRI chair, leading Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts.

Q7. What is the 2025–2027 plan of action?

A7. It is the ICRI’s strategic plan under Saudi chairmanship to expand membership and improve coral reef management globally.

Q8. What is the target for ICRI membership expansion?

A8. The plan aims to expand membership to cover 90% of the world’s coral reefs.

Q9. How will Saudi Arabia use technology in conservation?

A9. The Kingdom will enhance monitoring with AI and advanced technology to improve coral reef management.

Q10. What is the blue economy?

A10. The blue economy involves sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, which Saudi Arabia aims to promote through its chairmanship.

Q11. What is the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025” report?

A11. It is an upcoming report providing insights on global coral reef health, which will guide ICRI priorities.

Q12. Which regions will be prioritized for cooperation?

A12. Cooperation will be strengthened in the Red Sea, South Asia, and East Africa.

Q13. What major events will raise awareness?

A13. The UN Ocean Conference and other global events will help raise awareness about coral reef conservation.

Q14. Who attended the handover ceremony?

A14. Attendees included the UN special envoy for the ocean, and representatives from IUCN, UNEP, NOAA, and the U.S. State Department.

Q15. How does this align with Vision 2030?

A15. The chairmanship supports Vision 2030 by advancing environmental sustainability and economic diversification through the blue economy.

Q16. What is a younger generation strategy?

A16. The ICRI will launch a strategy named for the younger generation to engage youth in conservation efforts.

Q17. How will coral reef management be integrated into policies?

A17. The plan aims to incorporate coral reef management into global policies and national biodiversity strategies.

Q18. What is the role of the UN in this initiative?

A18. The UN, through UNEP and other agencies, collaborates with ICRI to support global conservation goals.

Q19. Why does Saudi Arabia focus on Red Sea coral reefs?

A19. The Red Sea hosts unique coral reef ecosystems, and SHAMS prioritizes their conservation due to their biodiversity and resilience.

Q20. What is the long-term goal of Saudi Arabia’s chairmanship?

A20. The goal is to ensure sustainable coral reef ecosystems for future generations while supporting the global economy and environmental health.

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