The "Our Sea, Our Responsibility" initiative was launched to clean the Red Sea in Jeddah
Jeddah witnessed the launch today of the “Our Sea, Our Responsibility” initiative, a large-scale environmental campaign aimed at cleaning the depths of the Red Sea. The initiative is a joint effort organized and directly supported by the Makkah Region Governorate. It is the result of collaborative efforts among a select group of governmental and environmental entities, including the Saudi Red Sea Authority, the General Directorate of Border Guards, the Jeddah Municipality, the Saudi Arabian Federation for Marine Sports and Diving, the National Center for Wildlife Development, and the General Authority for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles.
Environmental and economic importance of the Red Sea
This event holds immense strategic importance given the Red Sea's status as one of the world's most important marine destinations, boasting unique biodiversity and rare coral reefs that form a cornerstone of ecological balance. These initiatives are part of a long-standing commitment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protecting its marine environment. Preserving the Red Sea's pristine condition is an integral part of national identity and a vital economic resource for the promising tourism sector, making the fight against marine pollution an urgent necessity to ensure the sustainability of these resources for future generations.
Details of field operations in “North Lakes City”
The initiative's field operations focused on the "North Lakes City" area, directly targeting the removal of debris from the seabed that poses a real threat to coral reefs and marine life. Government agencies participated with specialized diving teams comprised of highly experienced and qualified personnel to ensure that survey and retrieval operations were conducted according to the highest international maritime safety standards, with utmost care taken to avoid harming the surrounding environment during the cleanup process.
Scientific methodology and tangible results
The initiative was distinguished by its meticulous and well-planned field strategy, beginning with an initial survey to estimate the amount of waste and geographically deploy divers to ensure comprehensive coverage. This was followed by a precise sorting and classification process of the surface waste, recording its weight and type to document the environmental impact under joint technical supervision that ensured its safe disposal. These intensive efforts resulted in the removal of more than half a ton of waste and pollutants from the seabed.
Combating poaching and protecting wildlife
One of the initiative's most notable achievements was the removal of over 4,000 meters of discarded long fishing lines. These lines are among the most dangerous forms of marine pollution, causing what is known as "ghost fishing," which devastates marine life and coral reefs for years. Their removal is a crucial step towards improving the quality of the marine environment and preserving wildlife, thus promoting the recovery of the ecosystem in the targeted area.
Commitment to the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The “Our Sea, Our Responsibility” initiative underscores the commitment of participating sectors to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the area of environmental sustainability. It also reinforces the principle of shared responsibility and integrated roles in preserving the Red Sea’s resources as a national heritage and a global destination. To further enhance the Kingdom’s international presence in this field, the event will be registered globally as a deep-sea cleanup initiative, highlighting the Kingdom’s leading role in protecting the planet.
