Latest news with #PacificYearoftheDugong
Arab News
22-04-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia steps up dugong conservation
RIYADH: The dugong, or Dugong dugon, a marine mammal classified as vulnerable, remains a key indicator of marine biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. Found in the country's warm coastal waters, the species is considered an important marker of the health and stability of marine ecosystems, the Saudi Press Agency reported. During Saudi Arabia's Environment Week, the dugong featured prominently in events, drawing attention to ongoing conservation efforts and the responsibilities shared by researchers, environmental advocates, and policymakers. The National Center for Wildlife is leading initiatives to protect the dugong from further population decline. These efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia's territorial waters. Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species' natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival. On the international front, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen global cooperation in marine conservation. In 2013, the Kingdom signed an agreement to protect dugongs and their habitats and has taken part in initiatives such as the Pacific Year of the Dugong, launched in 2011. Throughout Environment Week, the center presented recent studies and carried out public outreach activities. Educational programs were provided to students, visitors, and marine life enthusiasts, emphasizing the dugong's ecological role and the importance of preserving its habitat. The center also showcased modern tracking technologies used to study the species and its movements, the SPA reported.
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-04-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia's Dugong Protection Efforts Take Center Stage at Environment Week 2025
The dugong (Dugong dugon) continues to be a vital symbol of biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. The vulnerable mammal serves as a sensitive environmental indicator reflecting the health and stability of marine ecosystems, safely swimming in the warm coastal waters of Saudi Arabia. The dugong has captured public imagination, intertwining marine legends with environmental reality, merging the wonder of folklore with scientific significance. During Saudi Environment Week 2025, efforts to protect the dugong took center stage in national events, highlighting its status as a species that is vulnerable to extinction, necessitating responsibilities from researchers, environmental enthusiasts, and policymakers. The Saudi government, through the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), is implementing specialized programs aimed at safeguarding the species from the threat of extinction. Initiatives include satellite tracking and scientific studies that monitor the dugong's distribution in Saudi territorial waters, as well as national plans to manage and rehabilitate its natural habitats, ensuring the sustainability of its marine environment and creating suitable conditions for its reproduction and survival. Beyond the local level, Saudi Arabia has also emphasized enhancing international cooperation in this field. In 2013, the country signed an agreement to protect the dugong and its habitats and has actively participated in global environmental initiatives, including the Pacific Year of the Dugong, launched in 2011. Throughout Saudi Environment Week, the NCW showcased its latest studies on the dugong and provided educational awareness programs for visitors, students, and enthusiasts. The NCW focused on the significance of the dugong within the ecological balance and the necessity of preserving its habitats. The center demonstrated modern tracking technologies used to monitor the dugong and understand its movements.
