The Red Sea Sustainability Plan aims to protect marine ecosystems, boost local development, and position Saudi Arabia as a sustainability leader by 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has unveiled the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy, a cornerstone initiative designed to protect the marine environment, uplift local communities, and accelerate the Kingdom’s shift toward a thriving blue economy. Announced as part of the broader Vision 2030 framework, the strategy underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its economic ambitions. The Red Sea Sustainability Plan also focuses on fostering innovation and collaboration to achieve long-term environmental and economic goals.

The Red Sea region, which spans an impressive 186,000 square kilometres and boasts 1,800 kilometres of coastline, is home to some of the world’s most vital marine ecosystems. It includes the planet’s fourth-largest barrier reef system and 6.2 per cent of global coral reefs, making its preservation a critical component of global marine conservation efforts. The newly launched strategy seeks to position the Red Sea as a global benchmark for sustainable blue economy practices.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as prime minister and chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, described the initiative as a transformative step in the Kingdom’s sustainability journey. “Saudi Arabia continues to unleash its vast economic and cultural potential,” he said, “and with this strategy, we place the blue economy at the heart of our diversified economic growth. Our goal is for the Red Sea to become a global reference point for innovative blue economy activities.”

The strategy’s ambitious objectives include expanding marine and coastal protected areas from 3 per cent to 30 per cent by 2030, significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 50 per cent, and creating numerous jobs in sectors such as ecotourism, fisheries, renewable energy, and water desalination. By investing in these industries, the Kingdom aims to create a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Red Sea’s natural resources.

The initiative outlines 48 targeted actions across five core areas: environmental sustainability, economic development, social development, safety and security, and governance. These measures are designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change, enhance biodiversity, and ensure that economic activities such as tourism and fisheries are conducted responsibly.

One of the standout features of the plan is its focus on expanding renewable energy. By 2030, half of the energy used in the Red Sea region will come from renewable sources, significantly reducing the region’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for developing cutting-edge water desalination technologies that minimise environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for freshwater in the region.

The Crown Prince highlighted the importance of collective action in achieving the strategy’s goals. “We look forward to the cooperation of all stakeholders in safeguarding the Red Sea coast,” he said, “as well as the natural habitats and communities that depend on it.” His call to action emphasises the Kingdom’s broader vision of fostering a sustainable future not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the global marine environment.

The strategy is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger effort to embed environmental sustainability into its national agenda. It aligns with the Kingdom’s growing leadership in global sustainability initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, both of which aim to combat climate change through reforestation and renewable energy development.

Observers view this strategy as a bold move that could place Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the blue economy—a model that promotes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and marine ecosystem health. By investing in the Red Sea’s natural wealth, Saudi Arabia is not only securing the future of its marine biodiversity but also creating new opportunities for economic diversification and job creation.

As the Kingdom continues to pivot towards a more sustainable and diversified economy, the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these ambitions. By balancing environmental conservation with economic growth, the initiative is set to redefine how nations can responsibly harness their marine resources while ensuring the well-being of future generations.