09 January, 2025
The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has been recognized with the prestigious "Environmental Sustainability Excellence" award as part of the Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Award for Excellence in Social Work, 12th Edition, 2024. This award celebrates NCW’s groundbreaking work on the Red Sea Decade Expedition (RSDE), a pioneering initiative that explores the unique ecosystems of the Red Sea to promote sustainable environmental solutions. The RSDE, an ambitious project aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focuses on investigating the biodiversity, geology, and ecology of the Red Sea to inform conservation efforts, guide sustainable policies, and address environmental challenges.
The project has achieved great milestones, including generating critical data on Red Sea habitats and species, raising public awareness about biodiversity and environmental sustainability, and developing innovative solutions to tackle pollution and conserve marine resources. The RSDE’s emphasis on fostering community engagement and reducing ecological stress has further underscored its impact on enhancing quality of life and natural resource management.
The expedition's success is deeply rooted in the collaborative efforts between NCW and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), particularly the contributions of Professor Carlos M. Duarte, a globally renowned marine ecologist. Professor Duarte’s expertise in marine biodiversity, climate change resilience, and nature-based solutions has been instrumental in shaping the scientific foundations of the RSDE. His leadership highlights the power of integrating academic research with national initiatives to achieve transformative environmental outcomes.
The Princess Seetah bint Abdulaziz Award, established in 2012, honors exceptional contributions to social and environmental welfare, with this year’s theme focusing on “Social Investment… Maximizing Impact.” NCW’s recognition in this category reflects its commitment to advancing sustainability and biodiversity preservation while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in environmental stewardship. The Red Sea Decade Expedition exemplifies the synergy of cutting-edge science, community involvement, and innovative policy-making to address critical ecological challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future.