Saudi Arabia: Red Sea Global’s 30% pledge to create tourism that restores nature

 

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Global sets a regenerative model of tourism for world 

In a sector often criticised for depleting natural resources, Red Sea Global (RSG) has set out an ambitious vision: tourism that actively improves the environment rather than merely limiting damage.

The developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA has unveiled, for the first time, the detailed science-based framework it says will deliver a 30% net conservation gain across its destinations by 2040. The company is also making its methodology publicly available, encouraging wider adoption across the global tourism industry.

In an arena where sustainability efforts frequently focus on carbon neutrality, the initiative represents a shift from mitigation to measurable ecological regeneration.

 

Read More        Red Sea Global: Charting a vision for regenerative tourism

 

“From the beginning, we set out to make tourism better for people and the planet,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “Today, we are revealing in detail how we will achieve a 30% net conservation gain at The Red Sea and AMAALA, and we are sharing our science-based model so others can replicate our approach and help secure a better environment for future generations.”

A proprietary regeneration model

At the heart of RSG’s strategy is its proprietary SIIG Model, built around four interconnected and iterative stages:

·         Survey: Establishing comprehensive biodiversity baselines and monitoring long-term ecological change.

·         Identify: Assessing key risks and pressures affecting priority species and habitats.

·         Intervene: Implementing targeted, evidence-based conservation measures, from fisheries regulation to habitat restoration.

·         Gain: Measuring and verifying biodiversity improvements through a dedicated conservation scoring system.

According to the company, the model is already being deployed across The Red Sea and AMAALA, supported by one of the most extensive ecological baseline studies conducted in the region during 2022 and 2023. The assessment covers eight priority marine habitats and species groups.

Targeted conservation at scale

The roadmap brings together existing and planned conservation initiatives, measuring projected outcomes against a no-intervention scenario to ensure informed decision-making and optimal resource allocation.

A key initiative at The Red Sea is the proposed Al Wajh Lagoon Fishery Management Area, spanning 5,015 square kilometres. The zoning plan includes:

·         38% Conservation Priority Zones (covering 62% of coral reefs)

·         61% Sustainable Fishing Zones

·         1% Special Management Areas

Modelling indicates that removing fishing pressure from highly protected areas could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%.

 

Read More        Saudi Arabia to become a leader in regenerative luxury

 

The expected ecological rebound would strengthen coral reef health, support seabird populations and enhance overall ecosystem resilience. Additional projected benefits include improved coral resistance, reduced anchoring damage, lower risks of accidental sea turtle capture, stronger prey availability for seabirds, and reduced pathways for invasive species to reach sensitive island habitats.

Further interventions are designed to generate net conservation gains across coral reefs, red mangroves, seagrass meadows, sea turtles, marine mammals and island bird populations.

Ehab Al Kindi, Head of the Red Sea Zone at Red Sea Global, said the approach is rooted in measurable science. “Regeneration requires data, evidence and clear outcomes. The SIIG Model provides a roadmap to restoring ecosystem health at scale, reducing pressures on nature and witnessing the measurable return of life — from nesting turtles to thriving coral communities.”

Source: Zawya