Saudi Arabia Hosts Groundbreaking Int’l Symposium for Conservation of Sea Turtles in Red Sea

Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA
Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Hosts Groundbreaking Int’l Symposium for Conservation of Sea Turtles in Red Sea

Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA
Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats. SPA

Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural International Symposium for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Red Sea, gathering 93 environmental experts, academics, and biodiversity specialists from 10 countries. Held in Jeddah from November 3 to 6 under the theme “Navigating the Future: Advancing Sea Turtle Conservation in the Red Sea through Science, Collaboration, and Innovation,” the symposium marked a significant step toward unified conservation efforts in the region.

Organized by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), this pioneering event—the first of its kind—highlights the Kingdom's commitment to environmental sustainability and global collaboration in protecting Red Sea marine life. Aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing sea turtles, the symposium aligns with international conservation obligations and seeks to safeguard the region’s natural heritage.

Over four intensive days, the conference showcased the latest research and identified solutions to urgent environmental issues. The event featured seven keynote addresses by leading international experts, along with 31 presentations and four working groups focused on strengthening conservation strategies. Key discussions covered the current state of sea turtle protection in the Red Sea and explored innovative actions to establish a comprehensive conservation framework for the region.

Workshops held during the symposium emphasized an integrated approach to safeguard sea turtles in critical habitats, such as the Ras Baridi breeding sites, which face environmental threats. Participants also gained insights into the efforts of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Marine Turtle Specialist Group (IUCN MTSG) and the Northwest Indian Ocean Turtle Study Team (MTTF NWIO) under the IOSEA Convention’s guidance.

One major outcome of the symposium was the agreement to develop a regional action plan for sea turtle conservation, alongside bilateral initiatives among Red Sea nations to rehabilitate turtle nesting beaches and provide strategic support for future conservation efforts. Additionally, the conference promoted partnerships with universities to facilitate international mentoring for Saudi students and fostered local collaborations aimed at preserving vital turtle habitats, particularly on the "Four Sisters" islands. Recently designated by SHAMS as requiring specialized environmental management, these islands represent a unique ecosystem that will receive targeted conservation efforts.

This landmark symposium underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to environmental preservation and paves the way for collaborative, science-driven solutions to ensure the sustainability of Red Sea biodiversity.



Ninth Citrus Festival to be Held in January in Saudi Arabia's Al-Hariq

The National Company for Agricultural Services has announced that registration is now open for farmers, beekeepers, and families working in the cottage industry - SPA
The National Company for Agricultural Services has announced that registration is now open for farmers, beekeepers, and families working in the cottage industry - SPA
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Ninth Citrus Festival to be Held in January in Saudi Arabia's Al-Hariq

The National Company for Agricultural Services has announced that registration is now open for farmers, beekeepers, and families working in the cottage industry - SPA
The National Company for Agricultural Services has announced that registration is now open for farmers, beekeepers, and families working in the cottage industry - SPA

The ninth citrus festival will be held in Saudi Arabia's Al-Hariq Governorate from January 1 to 10, 2025, showcasing a diverse range of citrus and other agricultural offerings.

The event will be held under the patronage of Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz.
The National Company for Agricultural Services has announced that registration is now open for farmers, beekeepers, and families working in the cottage industry and wishing to participate in the festival; applications are accepted until November 28, SPA reported.
The annual event attracts a large number of visitors and plays a vital role in showcasing the governorate’s high-quality citrus, fostering community engagement, and promoting local produce by providing farmers with a platform to display their products.