01 March, 2025
In a landmark achievement, Saudi Arabia officially became the 57th nation to join the Antarctic Treaty on May 22, 2024, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship, scientific advancement, and global cooperation.
This historic accession highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to peaceful scientific research and the protection of Earth's most vulnerable ecosystems. Following this significant milestone, scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), led by distinguished marine ecologist Professor Carlos Duarte, alongside colleagues Dr. Carlos Angulo-Preckler and Diego Rivera, undertook the Kingdom’s first scientific expedition to Antarctica.
The TAJRC research team is investigating the critical ecological role of whales in carbon sequestration—a natural process essential for mitigating climate change. Whales significantly enhance marine ecosystems through their nutrient-rich feces, which promote phytoplankton growth, thereby increasing the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Moreover, whale carcasses, upon death, sink deep into the ocean, locking carbon away from the atmosphere for centuries—a phenomenon known as "whale fall."
Economists estimate that the ecological contributions of the global whale population are valued at over $1 trillion, highlighting the importance of their conservation as a natural climate solution.
Saudi Arabia’s initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s strategic Vision 2030, demonstrating a strong national commitment to global sustainability, environmental protection, and international scientific collaboration.
We proudly acknowledge the pioneering efforts of Professor Carlos Duarte and the entire research team for leading this transformative journey and placing Saudi science on the global stage.