The Increasing Role of Technology in Conservation

How the National Centre for Wildlife is playing its part in the Arabian Gulf Systems Rehabilitation project. 

Saudi Arabia, through its National Centre for Wildlife (NCW), is playing a key role in supporting the use of technology as part of the Arabian Gulf Systems Rehabilitation project. This will further help position the Kingdom as a leader in marine ecosystem conservation, while aligning with the Kingdom's broader ambition to lead environmental sustainability efforts globally. The Arabian Gulf Systems Rehabilitation Project, launched by NCW, focuses on the restoration and protection of key marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests in Saudi waters, spanning over 27,000 square kilometres. 

In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, the project aims to employ the latest technological innovations to conduct assessments of the marine environments in the Arabian Gulf. According to Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of NCW, the project will integrate scientific expertise to identify both natural and anthropogenic threats, with the goal of developing robust, data-driven strategies for conservation and ecosystem recovery. 

The project marks a significant improvement in Saudi Arabia’s deployment of environmental technology, utilising state-of-the-art tools such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and autonomous underwater vehicles for ecosystem monitoring. These innovations will allow for precise data collection and improve our understanding of marine biodiversity, thereby enabling more effective interventions in environmental conservation. Through these efforts, the NCW is both contributing to marine recovery while also elevating Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), particularly in initiatives targeting marine sustainability and biodiversity protection. 

As outlined in Saudi Arabia’s National Environment Strategy, ecosystem monitoring plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development goals. The project’s technology-enabled approach – such as the use of hyperspectral imaging and geographic information systems (GIS) – help to ensure the continuous monitoring of marine health, while addressing challenges like pollution and habitat degradation. 

NCW’s initiative underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering environmental resilience, setting a benchmark in the Arabian Gulf region. They also demonstrate the Kingdom’s appreciation for how ecologically, socially and economically invaluable these marine ecosystems are. In addition to their natural beauty, they hold the potential for use in activities like carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and support for fisheries – all of which are essential for sustainable development. The project’s findings will not only guide local conservation policies but also contribute to global maritime sustainability frameworks, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s leadership within the IMO on these matters. 

The NCW's Arabian Gulf Systems Rehabilitation Project is a central element of Saudi Arabia’s environmental vision, blending cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to marine conservation. This initiative therefore fortifies the Kingdom’s position as a regional and global leader in sustainable marine ecosystem management.