Riyadh: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in collaboration with the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation (SWSDF), has released a set of environmental guidelines aimed at diving enthusiasts and marine activity practitioners.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this initiative is one of the outcomes of the workshop 'Divers as Partners in Conservation and Protection,' recently organized by both parties, with the participation of various specialists and stakeholders from across the Kingdom.
The guidelines align with the efforts of NCW and SWSDF to raise environmental awareness and enhance community partnership in preserving the marine environment. They focus on promoting best environmental practices and activating the role of divers in protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring their sustainability.
The awareness guidelines emphasize the dangers of dropping anchors in seagrass beds and coral reef locations, for the potential severe impact of this behavior on natural habitats and biodiversity. They also prohibit the disposal of waste in the marine environment due to the threats it poses to human health and the safety of marine organisms and their ecosystems.
Under the guidelines, feeding, touching, or directly interacting with marine creatures is prohibited, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and affect the balance of the marine food web. Boat drivers are also encouraged to reduce their speed when observing large animals, such as dolphins, turtles, and whales, to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of these creatures. The guidelines emphasize the prohibition of spearfishing due to its direct harm to marine life and sensitive habitats.