Red Sea turtle conservation efforts expand in Saudi Arabia

The General Authority for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea is implementing an integrated system to protect sea turtles and their natural habitats in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 to preserve natural resources and enhance marine ecosystem sustainability.

In collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the Authority has established the Middle East’s first specialized sea turtle care center. This facility utilizes unified treatment protocols and has developed four diagnostic and therapeutic techniques being applied globally for the first time. Since 2024, the Authority’s 24-hour response network has handled over 300 turtle cases, successfully treating 94 and returning 74 to their natural environments.

Additionally, the Authority conducted a national assessment of nesting habitats by surveying more than 2,200 beaches. This survey identified 638 nesting sites, including 23 primary locations that account for approximately 70% of nesting activity within a 40-kilometer coastal range. An environmental management plan has also been adopted in accordance with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifications.