Saudi Arabia Takes Leadership of International Coral Reef Initiative

Saudi Arabia has been unanimously elected as the 14th chair of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) during its 38th general meeting in Jeddah.

The initiative, which includes 102 participants from 45 states, collectively represents 75% of the world's coral reefs. Saudi Arabia will be represented in this role by the General Organisation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS).

Under Saudi Arabia's chairmanship, plans are set to expand ICRI participation to encompass 90% of the world’s coral reefs and to integrate coral reef management into global policies. Strategies for biodiversity conservation will also be developed, with a particular focus on employing technology and artificial intelligence for reef monitoring and enhancing international cooperation in regions such as the Red Sea, South Asia, and East Africa.