RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has signed an agreement with the UK’s National Oceanography Center (NOC) to enhance collaboration on marine biodiversity research and conservation.
Signed in Riyadh, the partnership aims to monitor and protect key marine species such as sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, mangroves, and seagrass, while also studying the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems, according to the report.
The collaboration will utilize advanced technologies to track environmental changes and mitigate potential threats.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban said the agreement will support efforts to preserve biodiversity, restore ecological balance, and ensure long-term sustainability of marine habitats in the region.
NOC Deputy Director Alex Rogers welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation.
“The seas around Saudi Arabia host a wealth of biodiversity, from coral reefs and seagrass beds to deep-sea ecosystems that remain largely unexplored,” he said.
“This partnership will generate vital data on species distribution and ecosystem health.”
The UK’s NOC, based in Southampton and Liverpool, is the country’s largest institution dedicated to oceanographic research, including sea-level science and the development of marine technologies.
Saudi Arabia’s NCW, established in 2019, leads national efforts to protect wildlife and ecosystems, with a focus on innovation and international collaboration.
[Reported by Saudi Press Agency]
