Life Below Water

“Water is one of the most important pillars of economic and social development, as it is essential for meeting human needs, managing the environment and ensuring the sustainability of economic development.” (Environmental Protection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (my.gov.sa))

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. Despite having extensive coastlines, it lacks permanent waterbodies. It is one of the world’s driest countries, yet it has an enormously high per capita fresh-water consumption. The increased demand for water, economic developments and pollution constitutes the country’s most significant environmental challenges.

Therefore, one important step would be to bring behavior change in the society to use water economically and wisely. Saudi Arabia also believes in the importance of marine life and has adopted strategies and policies to limit any interference in the marine system. (Environmental Protection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (my.gov.sa))

In this sense, KFUPM is committed to preserving aquatic ecosystems throughout the campus and the country by actions, education, and research.

Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education and Action

The university is aware of the importance of education when it comes to SDGs. Therefore, various educational programs are continuously offered on campus and to the public. One example is the MEWA Fishing Methods Project, organized by the Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies (ARC-EMS). As part of this initiative, a workshop was held on December 25-26, 2023, to train fishermen in the Eastern Province on the use of Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets. Focused on reducing the impact of fishing on marine wildlife, the event highlighted the benefits of TEDs, their installation, and relevant regulations, promoting sustainable practices to protect sea turtles and other marine species. Additionally, KFUPM’s CEMS has organized events focused on promoting the conservation and sustainable use of seas and marine resources. One notable example is the “Awareness Program for Fisherman Communities at Jubail and Darin Fisheries Harbors,” where they addressed critical issues such as illegal fishing, overfishing, and pollution. Through this program, fishermen received education on eco-friendly practices and the significance of habitat protection. The center also worked directly on research projects with industry and initiatives are targeted at protecting the fragile coastal and marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. For example, The Manifa Bay protection project with Saudi Aramco or Avoiding Biodiversity Hotspots from developmental activity. In addition, the center is working with dierent partners to develop technologies that enable the marine industry to minimize or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems. The implementation of High-frequency radar (HFR) is an example which has immense applications such as forecasting and hindcasting oil spills.

Water-Sensitive Waste Disposal

On a regular basis, the EHS department carries out a number of environmental assessments inside KFUPM, including water quality assessments, to ensure that any activities undertaken on campus comply with the national and international environmental quality standards.

To prevent water pollution, especially from plastic waste, KFUPM started a recycling initiative at the campus which is expected to maintain a cost-effective and efficient waste management program that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling general waste, including plastic.

Maintaining a Local Ecosystem

CEMS’s initiatives are targeted at protecting the fragile coastal and marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. For example, modeling to estimate the impact of the construction activities (Manifa Bay protection) or Avoiding Biodiversity Hotspots from developmental activity. Furthermore, by using modern technology, CEMS monitor the health and changes in marine habitat, which will help policymakers, engineers, scientists, and other interested groups to utilize marine resources or to make informed decisions that would help to protect and conserve the fragile and sensitive marine habitats.

Another fascinating project worth mentioning is the Mangrove Eco Park. In order to raise awareness of this unique ecosystem and the essential role it plays, the ARCEMS, with funding from Saudi Aramco involved in the development of the first mangrove eco-park in the Kingdom, protecting 64 km2 of marine habitats, including mangrove forests, salt marshes and seagrasses – all important nurseries for fish and shrimp. This eco-park will help foster knowledge and appreciation of this fragile ecosystem and consists of a visitor center, trails, and boardwalks, with various observation and education points. A portion of the park is also designated for research activities.

Supporting Documents