The International Coral Reef Initiative or ICRI is a global partnership between 45 countries that focuses on plans of action for reef conservation and restoration set by a secretariat determined every two years. The last secretariat position was held by the United States of America. For the first time ever a Middle Eastern nation will serve as the secretariat. Saudi Arabia will serve a term from 2025-2027. The kingdom has chosen Dr. Khaled Asfahani and Dr. Abdulaziz Alsuwailem to lead the 14th term. Dr. Asfahani and Dr. Alsuwailem are the respective CEO and Chief Conservation and Strategy Officer of SHAMS.
SHAMS is the General Organization For Conservation of Coral Reef and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea based in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s new plan of action emphasizes protection of the reefs in the Red Sea and Eastern Africa pivoting the focus of conservation efforts to new areas as well as much more.
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