Saudi Arabia Strengthens Commitment to Marine Sustainability through Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Protocol

Strategic Insights -

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has announced a significant step forward in promoting marine sustainability by signing the Protocol Concerning Regional Cooperation in Management of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This protocol, approved by the Saudi Cabinet, aims to align with the country's vision for 2030 by protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable management of living marine resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protocol strengthens Saudi Arabia's commitment to marine sustainability by promoting the protection of natural resources and the sustainable management of living marine resources.
  • The agreement includes member states of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), which are Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen, in addition to Saudi Arabia.
  • The protocol aims to ensure sustainable management of living marine resources, protect habitats and biodiversity, develop best practices for fishing and aquaculture, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
  • The agreement will provide a specialized platform for cooperation, helping countries modernize national legislation, coordinate conservation efforts, and promote biosecurity to prevent the spread of diseases and invasive species in aquaculture.
  • The protocol also seeks to provide training and technical support to member states in collaboration with international organizations.
  • Saudi Arabia's commitment to marine sustainability is a key aspect of its Jeddah Convention (1982) that aims to ensure sustainable management of living marine resources.
  • The agreement will help countries modernize national legislation and coordinate conservation efforts to promote sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.
  • The protocol will also enhance regional coordination and data exchange on fish stocks, and implement joint programs to build capacity in member states.
  • The agreement has been signed by the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and is expected to contribute to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Statistics:

  • The protocol includes six member states of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), in addition to Saudi Arabia.
  • The Jeddah Convention (1982) aims to ensure the sustainable management of living marine resources, protecting habitats and biodiversity.
  • The protocol will provide training and technical support to member states in collaboration with international organizations.

Sources:

  • SPA (Saudi Press Agency)
  • Jeddah Convention (1982)