Riyadh: National Center for Wildlife (NCW) CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban stressed the urgent need for global cooperation in preserving the marine environment. Speaking at the Riyadh Blue Talks ahead of the UN Ocean Conference 2025, Qurban emphasized that marine conservation is no longer optional but a responsibility for ensuring the future of biodiversity, climate stability, and the sustainability of life on Earth.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Qurban highlighted the Kingdom’s significant contributions to ocean conservation. The NCW has spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on biodiversity protection, scientific research, and international cooperation in marine conservation.
Aligned with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom has committed to protecting 30% of its land and marine areas by 2030. Qurban noted the ongoing efforts to achieve this ambitious goal and emphasized the Kingdom’s chairmanship of the International Coral Reef Initiative, demonstrating its commitment to restoring and strengthening coral reef resilience.
Qurban emphasized the importance of a science-driven approach. He highlighted the Ocean Explorer’s Red Sea Decade Expedition, a collaborative effort between the NCW and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. This pioneering research program, involving 126 researchers, has provided a comprehensive understanding of the Red Sea’s unexplored ecosystems, supporting the development of effective conservation and sustainable management strategies.