Latest news with #MohammedQurban
Leaders
a day ago
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Launches Scientific Initiative to Safeguard Marine Ecosystems
Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to safeguard its marine ecosystems and strengthen its blue economy — a sector projected to contribute SAR 22 billion and create 100,000 jobs by 2030. One of the primary threats to this vision is the spread of invasive marine species, introduced through shipping and aquaculture, which can cause tens of billions of dollars in economic losses each year. KAUST, NCW To address this challenge, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has joined forces with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) to monitor invasive species and assess their risks. The initiative aims to build a comprehensive knowledge database to support the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia's environmental and economic resources. Importance of Marine Protection NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban emphasized that protecting marine ecosystems is critical for the growth of sectors such as coastal tourism and aquaculture. He explained that the KAUST–NCW research partnership will enable the Kingdom to develop scientific assessment tools, risk models, and early warning systems to anticipate environmental threats. Field Surveys, Findings As part of the collaboration, researchers surveyed 34 sites along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, collecting over 10,000 marine samples. The surveys identified around 200 potentially invasive species, including more than 70 non-native species already found in Saudi waters. Building National Expertise In May, NCW employees took part in a specialized KAUST workshop designed to develop national capabilities. The training covered invasive species risk assessment protocols and advanced technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis for early detection. This partnership between KAUST and NCW demonstrates how research institutions and national agencies can work together to protect biodiversity, strengthen environmental resilience, and support the sustainable growth of the blue economy. Related Topics: KAUST Drives Groundbreaking Research on Decarbonizing Cement Production SEC, KAUST Launch Pioneering Carbon Capture Research Project at Rabigh KAUST Reveals Promising Study on Microbiomes in Glacier-Fed Streams Short link : Post Views: 8
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia's blue economy projected to contribute SR22 billion and create 100,000 jobs by 2030
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia continues its efforts to protect its marine ecosystems and blue economy, which is projected to contribute SR22 billion and create 100,000 jobs by 2030. This is through addressing a key challenge to this vision: the threat of invasive marine species introduced through shipping and aquaculture that can cause tens of billions of dollars in economic losses annually. In response to this issue, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has partnered with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) to monitor these species and analyze their risks, building a knowledge database to enhance the sustainability of the Kingdom's environmental and economic resources. CEO of NCW Dr. Mohammed Qurban highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that protecting marine ecosystems is vital for growing sectors such as coastal tourism and aquaculture. He said that the research partnership with KAUST will help the Kingdom develop scientific assessment tools, risk models, and early warning systems to anticipate environmental challenges. As part of the collaboration, researchers conducted surveys at 34 sites along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, collecting over 10,000 marine samples. These surveys identified approximately 200 potentially invasive species, including more than 70 non-native species already present in Saudi waters. A number of NCW employees participated in a specialized KAUST workshop last May to develop national expertise. The workshop covered risk assessment protocols and provided training in advanced technologies, including environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis for early detection. This partnership serves as a model for how research institutions and national agencies can collaborate to protect biodiversity and support the growth of the blue economy.
Asharq Al-Awsat
12-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Joins Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar), underling its commitment to conserving environmental wealth and natural habitats that support rich biodiversity, promote environmental sustainability, and boost the national economy. Saudi Arabia's accession underscores its strong support for global efforts to preserve ecosystems in terrestrial and coastal environments, especially as challenges related to water, climate, and biodiversity become increasingly interconnected. This step reflects the NCW's broader efforts in leading a comprehensive development plan that supports research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives. NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban stated: 'The conservation of wetlands directly contributes to ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. The Kingdom's accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that will reap both environmental and economic benefits.' The center will implement the convention across Saudi territory in cooperation with relevant stakeholders to protect the Kingdom's natural assets. It also contributes to national and international conservation efforts by developing and executing plans, policies, and legislation. The NCW is working to identify suitable sites for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and to ensure their effective management. Wetlands are more than natural landscapes; they are vital ecosystems rich in biodiversity and natural resources. They host 40 percent of the world's species and plant life, store 30 percent of global carbon, and serve as essential sources of water, food, medicine, and energy. Wetlands also support agricultural production, regulate climate, provide ecotourism opportunities, and serve as critical stopovers for migratory waterbirds traveling between continents.
Saudi Gazette
12-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia joins Ramsar Convention to protect wetlands and biodiversity
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, marking a major milestone in its efforts to conserve environmental resources, natural habitats, and biodiversity while advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the national economy. The Kingdom's accession reflects the NCW's leadership in developing comprehensive plans for wetland protection, including support for scientific research, monitoring, and ecosystem conservation. The center is coordinating with national partners to implement the Convention's provisions across the country. By joining Ramsar, Saudi Arabia aims to identify and manage sites eligible for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and ensure their effective stewardship in line with international standards. Wetlands are among the world's richest ecosystems, hosting around 40% of Earth's species and storing 30% of global carbon. They are vital for water, food, and medicine supply, energy production, climate regulation, agriculture, and ecotourism. They also serve as essential stopovers for migratory waterfowl crossing continents. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: 'Wetland conservation directly impacts ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia's accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that contributes to enhancing environmental and economic benefits.' He reiterated the center's commitment to global best practices in wetland conservation and rehabilitation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is the world's oldest international environmental treaty. It provides a global framework for national and cross-border cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. It covers various wetland types, including lakes, marshes, oases, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, and artificial sites such as reservoirs and rice fields.
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Wildlife Center completes biodiversity survey in the Red Sea
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH —The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has implemented a comprehensive scientific plan to survey biodiversity and monitor its health along the Saudi Red Sea coast, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment and support the sustainability of its natural resources. The plan was based on the environmental sensitivity map prepared by the center. Coastal sites were classified according to environmental sensitivity levels, with priority given to highly sensitive areas. Field operations were conducted to comprehensively survey biodiversity at 64 coastal sites, monitoring the health status of biological communities, including fish and invertebrates. Changes in sea surface temperatures were monitored across 37 sites using advanced measuring devices to monitor the impact of physical changes on marine ecosystems. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, emphasized that implementing this plan falls within the center's commitment to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote environmental sustainability. He noted that environmental surveys and monitoring the health status of biodiversity constitute a vital scientific tool for detecting early indicators of environmental change and disturbances, and supporting the formulation of effective policies to protect natural Qurban explained that these efforts have contributed to providing accurate scientific data that supports programs to protect biodiversity and sustain marine ecosystems, and enhances the center's ability to accurately and early assess environmental added that the project's full reliance on national competencies reflects Saudi Arabia's drive to build leading local capabilities capable of managing its environmental resources efficiently and NCW continues to implement its field programs throughout the year, as part of its commitment to protecting marine and terrestrial biodiversity and enhancing Saudi Arabia's regional and international standing in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability.
