Saudi Arabia Announces Discovery of Largest Sea Turtle Nesting Site in Red Sea

Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)
Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Announces Discovery of Largest Sea Turtle Nesting Site in Red Sea

Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)
Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia, represented by the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), announced the discovery of the largest sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters, located at the Four Sisters Islands in the Red Sea.

In a statement on Saturday, SHAMS said this significant environmental discovery is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting protection for sea turtles and their habitats in the Red Sea, ensuring their sustainability in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

On this occasion, CEO of SHAMS Dr. Khaled Isfahani confirmed that the Four Sisters Islands have been designated as a species management area to protect the turtles' nesting habitats. This step aligns with environmental goals and contributes to safeguarding biodiversity. These efforts are part of a broader plan to turn 30 percent of Saudi Arabia's land and sea areas into nature reserves by 2030.

The Four Sisters Islands—Marmar, Dahreb, Malathu, and Jadir—are renowned for their high concentration of sea turtle nesting sites. (SPA)

The Four Sisters Islands—Marmar, Dahreb, Malathu, and Jadir—are renowned for their high concentration of sea turtle nesting sites. To date, over 2,500 turtle nests have been recorded on these islands, establishing them as a crucial breeding ground for endangered sea turtles in the Red Sea.

Remarkably, the sea turtles consistently return to these same nesting sites each year, underscoring the vital need to preserve these areas for the survival of these species. Furthermore, the islands host an exceptional number of endangered green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles, making them some of the most significant sea turtle nesting sites in the region.

Isfahani said the organization is currently developing a comprehensive management strategy to safeguard sea turtle nesting sites along the Red Sea coast. Thanks to the diligent work of SHAMS' environmental expert teams, over 180 nesting sites have been identified.

This discovery is part of SHAMS' mission to protect the unique marine life in the Red Sea. (SPA)

The plan also aims to boost sustainable tourism and entertainment opportunities around this unique marine ecosystem, he added. This initiative helps enrich the protected area and ensures that sea turtles continue to thrive in their natural habitats, promoting environmental sustainability.

This discovery is part of SHAMS' mission to protect the unique marine life in the Red Sea. Sea turtles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making their survival vital for maintaining environmental balance. The effort aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030, reflecting a national commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia's natural heritage and marine biodiversity.



Royal Commission for AlUla Partners with Ferrandi Paris to Establish Culinary Arts College

The college will offer three-year diploma programs in culinary arts, tourism, and hospitality. SPA
The college will offer three-year diploma programs in culinary arts, tourism, and hospitality. SPA
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Royal Commission for AlUla Partners with Ferrandi Paris to Establish Culinary Arts College

The college will offer three-year diploma programs in culinary arts, tourism, and hospitality. SPA
The college will offer three-year diploma programs in culinary arts, tourism, and hospitality. SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has announced the establishment of Ferrandi Paris College (CAMPUS ALULA).
The college will offer three-year diploma programs in culinary arts, tourism, and hospitality to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in these fields.
The partnership between RCU and Ferrandi Paris, announced at the recently held 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII8) Conference, aligns with AlUla's broader vision of sustainable and human capital development.
The college aims to enroll 100 students in its inaugural year and will offer comprehensive training in traditional and modern French cuisine, confectionery, bakery, and hospitality and tourism services.
This move aims to develop human capital in the fields of culinary arts, hospitality, and tourism, positioning AlUla as a global education hub for these sectors.