Saudi Arabia to host first International Coral Reef Summit in 2026, Princess Reema says

Saudi Gazette reportDAVOS — Saudi Arabia will host the world’s first International Coral Reef Summit later this yr, Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Kingdom’s ambassador to the US, introduced on the World Financial Discussion board (WEF) 2026. Talking throughout the panel “The Blue Acceleration: Defending Our Oceans at Scale,” Princess Reema highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dedication to ocean conservation and international environmental cooperation. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall be holding the primary ever International Coral Reef Summit in 2026,” she stated, noting that the occasion is predicted to carry collectively international leaders, scientists, and buyers “to drive options for the safety and restoration of the coral reef ecosystem.” Princess Reema emphasised the important function oceans play in sustaining life on Earth, describing them as important to local weather regulation, meals safety, and financial exercise. “Our oceans aren’t only a huge physique of water, they’re the lungs of the planet and so they regulate local weather, present meals and livelihood for billions, and so they maintain economies by commerce and thru tourism,” she stated. She additionally warned of mounting pressures on marine ecosystems from delivery, coastal improvement, and different human actions, elevating the query of whether or not regeneration remains to be doable. “Is regeneration even doable?” she requested, including that scientific analysis confirms it’s. Highlighting the urgency of motion, Princess Reema cited projections indicating that “on the present charge, ten % or much less of coral reefs globally will exist by 2050,” stressing the necessity for rapid and coordinated worldwide efforts. “We’ve a really small window to push ahead collectively to alter that,” she stated. “We are able to reverse that course and most significantly put ahead a constructive path of regeneration, restoration and sustainability for a greater tomorrow.” She additionally underscored Saudi Arabia’s marine biodiversity, noting that the Kingdom’s waters host among the world’s most resilient coral reef methods. “Saudi Arabia’s marine ecosystem consists of among the world’s most resilient and biologically wealthy coral reefs,” she stated. “They assist extraordinary biodiversity, internet hosting multiple thousand species of fish and function a important habitat for crops and marine life.” Princess Reema added that Saudi Arabia’s management of the International Coral Reef Initiative, secured in 2024 for a three-year time period, additional displays the Kingdom’s dedication to defending marine life and advancing international conservation efforts.

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