Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has launched Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, aiming to increase the coverage of marine and coastal protected areas (MPAs) from 3% to 30% by 2030; support the contribution of renewable energy to 50% of the targeted energy mix; create thousands of new job opportunities related to blue economy activities, and protect the country’s investments in coastal tourism projects.
“Through this strategy, the Kingdom positions the blue economy as a fundamental pillar of its diversified economy and aspires for the Red Sea region to become a global reference for leading blue economy activities, and for the Kingdom to become a global leader in the field of research, development and innovation in blue economy,” said the prince, popularly known as MBS. “The Kingdom also reaffirms its commitment to a sustainable future for the Red Sea, and we look forward to everyone’s cooperation in protecting our Red Sea Coast, and the nature and communities that depend on it.”
The Red Sea, the announcement said, is one of Saudi Arabia’s unique and biodiverse regions with 186 thousand square kilometers and 1,800 km of coastline. The Red Sea itself is home to the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, 6.2% of the globe’s coral reefs and hundreds of islands.
The announcement said the strategy initiates the transition to the blue economy, creating investment opportunities for innovative companies in various marine sectors, including ecotourism, fisheries, renewable energy, water desalination, shipping and industry. It is
structured around five strategic objectives: Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development, Social Development, Safety and Security, and Governance and Collaboration and includes 48 initiatives.
The announcement came shortly after the end of COP29 and international plastic negotiations when Saudi Arabia was among the strongest voices against reduction of fossil fuels or plastic production–issues key to a sustainable Blue Economy.
