Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Thursday, Apr 09, 2026

Biodiversity of Red Sea coastline explored in comprehensive new ecosystem study

Red Sea Global, the developer behind the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, The Red Sea and Amaala, has released the findings of one of the world's largest environmental surveys of wildlife ecosystems conducted by a developer, carried out along 250 kilometers of Red Sea coastline.
The comprehensive study covers natural ecosystems and species across the areas of Red Sea Global's two flagship destinations — The Red Sea, centered around Al Wajh lagoon, and, slightly north of that area, Amaala.

The study was conducted by a dedicated and expert scientific team at Red Sea Global, but has also been supported by partner groups from across the globe to ensure that cutting edge methods and technologies are deployed to monitor critical resources.

"Throughout our organization, at the heart of everything we do, lies the conviction that responsible development and regenerative tourism are essential in the fight to protect the natural habitats of our world's precious marine and coastal areas.

“That's why we're pioneering the creation of new benchmarks for our industry. We aim to push beyond conservation and explore innovative ways to regenerate the natural ecosystems in which we operate.

“We've set a quantifiable target of achieving a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, and we will continue to publish annual updates that measure our progress toward this ambitious goal.

“Key to that is setting a baseline from which we track progress, and ensuring we are fully informed and understand the incredible biodiversity that surrounds our developments," said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

"Red Sea Global is an organization led by science, which prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the environments in which it operates.

“Our incredible team of local and international scientists are testament to the commitment made by the leadership of the group to show tourism can be a force for good and demonstrate meaningful examples of more responsible approaches to the way we develop and operate," added Dr. Omar Al Attas, head of environmental protection and regeneration, Red Sea Global.

The survey along the Red Sea coast, conducted throughout 2022, revealed that many threatened and endangered species inhabit the area, and have established breeding grounds across it — highlighting the importance of environmental protection and regeneration efforts by Red Sea Global and others in the region.

To build a more detailed picture of the trends identified in the study, the research team has deployed best-in-class technology to continue capturing crucial data on an ongoing basis such as by recording multiple physical, chemical, and biotic variables across the region, alongside remotely-sensed (satellite) data for larger areas.

As part of this study, ongoing monitoring has also been established and put in place. This includes the GPS and satellite tagging of 30+ Sooty falcons, to better understand their breeding and hunting patterns, as well as the satellite tagging of several recently rehabilitated Hawksbill sea turtles — furthering our understanding of foraging patterns.

This study not only informs development decisions at Red Sea Global, in order to minimize potential negative impact on the natural ecosystems of the region, but also showcases the latest initiative from the organization in its commitment to prioritizing planet and people.

These studies form the initial benchmark for Red Sea Global to measure itself against its stringent commitment to leaving the environment across its destinations a more thriving and naturally healthier place than it was before.

Alongside the benefits to Red Sea Global's sustainable tourism practices, these findings also contribute important insights and data on endangered wildlife species to the global scientific community, aiding worldwide conservation efforts.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
King Street Aligns with Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund to Expand Alternative Investments in Middle East
Attack on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Petrochemical Hub Raises Global Supply Concerns
Debate Emerges Over Saudi Strategic Decisions as Gulf Cooperation Council Dynamics Come Into Focus
Saudi Arabia Expands Full Workforce Localisation to 69 Professions in Major Labour Reform
Emerging Alliance of Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia Signals New Regional Power Dynamic Amid Iran Conflict
Iran Linked to Strikes Across Gulf States Following Refinery Attack Escalation
Saudi Arabia Voices Concern Over Fragile US–Iran Ceasefire Stability
Starmer Warns Sustained Effort Needed to Ensure US–Iran Ceasefire Holds
Saudi Arabia’s Key East-West Oil Pipeline Targeted Following Ceasefire Announcement
Iran Targets Saudi Arabia’s East-West Oil Pipeline in Escalating Regional Tensions
Trump Warns of Civilizational Stakes as Iran Halts Negotiations
Saudi Companies Expand Remote Work Measures Ahead of Iran-Related Security Concerns
Iran Warns of Strikes on Saudi Energy Infrastructure if US Targets Its Facilities
Iran Urges Civilians to Form Human Shields Around Nuclear Sites as Diplomatic Deadline Approaches
Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices to Record Premiums Amid Supply Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Key Saudi-Bahrain Causeway Closed Amid Heightened Security Concerns Linked to Iran
Formula One Calendar Gap Explained as Fans Await Next Grand Prix
Growing Strain on the Petrodollar System Comes Into Focus Amid Iran Conflict
Reported Strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Complex Raises Global Energy Supply Concerns
FedEx Introduces New Digital Tool to Streamline Imports into Saudi Arabia
Iran Claims Strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Petrochemical Complex Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Taiwan to Source Oil Shipments from Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Ports
Saudi Arabia Evacuates Riyadh Financial District as Precaution Amid Regional Tensions
Saudi Arabia Balances Ambitious Economic Vision Amid Regional Tensions and Financial Pressures
Budget Saudi Arabia Reports Strong Full-Year 2025 Financial Performance
Saudi Arabia Expands Investment in Capcom With Stake Reaching Six Percent
Saudi Arabia Assesses Significant Economic Impact From Regional Conflict Involving Iran
US Beef Secures Expanded Market Access in Saudi Arabia
Jordan and Saudi Arabia Declare Absolute Solidarity in Response to Iranian Threats
Saudi Arabia Raises Oil Prices to Record Premium Amid Strong Market Demand
California’s Salton Sea Emerges as Strategic Lithium Hub for Clean Energy Future
Iranian Drone Strike on US Embassy in Saudi Arabia Reportedly Targeted Intelligence Facility
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Meets French Embassy Official to Strengthen Bilateral Engagement
Saudi Arabia Calls on United States to Seize Strategic Opportunity to Reshape Middle East
Dating Apps Surge in Saudi Arabia as Social Norms Rapidly Evolve Among Youth
Saudi Arabia Detains Over Fourteen Thousand Illegal Residents in Week-Long Enforcement Drive
Saudi Foreign Minister Engages in Diplomatic Talks with Pakistan, Kuwait and Latvia on Regional Developments
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Cruise Missile as Regional Tensions Intensify
Saudi Stock Market Edges Higher as Tadawul Index Records Modest Gain
Underlying Rivalry Between Saudi Arabia and UAE Persists Despite Temporary Calm
Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Sector Contracts in March as Regional Tensions Weigh on Business Activity
Saudi Arabia Unveils Ambition to Establish Prestigious Global Prize Rivaling the Nobel
Saudi Crown Prince to Engage Wall Street in Push for Investment and Economic Expansion
Iran Accuses Saudi Arabia and UAE After Downing of Chinese-Made Drone
Saudi Arabia Condemns Attack on Hospital in Sudan, Calls for Protection of Civilians
Coordinated Drone Strike Targets CIA Facility Within US Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Italy’s Meloni Prioritises Energy Security and Strait of Hormuz Stability During Gulf Tour
Uncertainty Emerges Over Timeline and Direction of Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Ski Resort Project
UAE and Saudi Arabia Escalate Strategy with Drone Operations Targeting Iran
Trump Delivers Characteristic Remarks on Saudi Crown Prince Amid Intensifying Iran Conflict
×