Riyadh: The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK’s National Oceanography Center (NOC) to establish a regulatory framework that will serve as a foundation for fruitful cooperation between the two entities in marine biodiversity projects, marine protected area monitoring and management, and exchanging scientific visits aimed at knowledge sharing and enhancing biodiversity.
According to Saudi Press Agency, under the MoU, signed in Riyadh, both sides will cooperate on marine biodiversity projects and the sustainability of marine ecosystems. Their collaboration will also include monitoring the health and population levels of sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, mangroves, seagrass, and related species. In addition, the agreement covers monitoring the condition of benthic organisms, studying the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, and utilizing advanced technologies to track these activities and mitigate their potential harm to marine and coastal wildlife.
The memorandum also includes implementing the best management practices for protected marine areas and their habitats and organizing training workshops focused on marine and coastal wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban stressed that this memorandum marks a valuable collaboration with NOC in marine biodiversity projects and the management of protected marine areas. He noted that the deal supports the center’s goals of protecting wildlife, conserving ecosystems, and restoring ecological balance.
Qurban highlighted that the memorandum reflects the center’s recognition of the importance of international cooperation and leveraging global expertise and the best practices to enhance wildlife conservation. It also underscores the significance of knowledge exchange and building an integrated collaboration framework at the national, regional, and international levels to achieve the center’s strategic vision that seeks to reach a thriving and sustainable wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems. This aligns with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, the National Environment Strategy, and the Saudi Green Initiative, reaffirming the Kingdom’s global leadership in environmental development.
Since its establishment in 2019, NCW has worked to preserve wildlife and biodiversity and protect ecosystems through comprehensive programs to achieve environmental sustainability. These efforts include improving environmental performance and balance, promoting sustainable management approaches, and maximizing conservation efforts’ ecological and social impact. The center also prioritizes research and innovation in wildlife conservation, drawing on national and international expertise.
NOC is a research and technology institution specializing in marine science, with facilities in Southampton and Liverpool. It is the UK’s largest organization dedicated to sea-level science and the research and development of coastal and deep-sea technologies.