How is Red Sea Global Creating a Regenerative Red Sea?

In a significant step toward positioning Saudi Arabia as a global sustainability leader, Red Sea Global (RSG) has published the most comprehensive terrestrial baseline survey of the Red Sea zone to date. 

Conducted in collaboration with BIOPOLIS/CIBIO at Porto University, the: Terrestrial Baseline Assessment of the Red Sea Zone, identifies 11 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs).

The KBA’s collectively support 136 species of flora and fauna, including 41 threatened species, 88 geographically restricted species and 19 species endemic to the Arabian Peninsula.

Regenerative development

This landmark study forms part of RSG’s broader commitment under the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), with the company aiming for a 30% Net Conservation Gain by 2040. 

That ambition goes beyond traditional sustainability goals, with RSG seeking to actively enhance the ecosystems in which it operates.

With backing from the Saudi Vision 2030 framework and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on Biological Diversity, this initiative elevates biodiversity conservation to the heart of luxury tourism development in the Kingdom.

“This study enables us to make informed, science-based decisions to ensure our development leaves the environment better than we found it,” says Dr Omar Al Attas, Head of Red Sea Zone.

Science-driven conservation

Over the course of 2024, RSG and its research partners conducted 120 field surveys across the terrestrial zones of The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, spanning 13,187 km².

These studies informed the mapping of 11 KBAs, eight in The Red Sea and three in AMAALA, with ecological data compiled using advanced GIS and remote sensing methodologies.

Each KBA was evaluated against IUCN KBA criteria, focusing on threatened biodiversity, ecological integrity and critical biological processes such as breeding and migration. 

Notably:

• Al Wajh Bank, a marine-terrestrial hybrid zone, was identified as globally important for hosting significant populations of migratory birds like the Sooty Falcon and Crab Plover.
  
  
• Harrat Lunayyir, home to ancient volcanic landscapes, supports high-priority bat roosts and 45% of its land qualifies as “Last of the Wild”.
  
  
• Wadi Al Hamd features one of the most extensive wetland systems in the region and supports species like the Arabian Woodpecker and Eurasian Spoonbill.

Overall, these 11 KBAs encompass 24% of all known biodiversity in the Red Sea zone, highlighting their critical role in regional and global conservation efforts.

“This survey marks yet another important step in our continued efforts to protect and enhance the region’s landscape and wildlife,” explains John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. 

“We now know exactly where these habitats are, what species they support, and what steps we need to take to protect them. 

“By embedding this kind of scientific research into planning, we’re showing that luxury tourism and environmental preservation are not only compatible, but they can also be brought together to deliver long-term benefits for both the environment and our visitors.”

Biodiversity with tourism

The report redefines how biodiversity and tourism can co-exist. 

Rather than isolating natural habitats from human use, RSG is embedding conservation into the design and operation of its luxury destinations. 

The goal is to enable tourists to experience pristine ecosystems, volcanoes, deserts, wetlands and mangroves, while supporting local communities and species protection.

Several sites, such as Upper Wadi Al Hamd and Jabal Saykhaan, demonstrate how conservation hotspots can double as ecotourism destinations. 

These sites include rare flora, endemic reptiles and migratory corridors essential for avian populations.

Challenges and community engagement

Despite the region’s unique biodiversity, it faces threats from climate change, overgrazing, land degradation and invasive species. 

The report underscores the importance of proactive conservation planning, including wetland protection, ecological fencing of bat roosts and minimising human disturbance to breeding islands.

Equally crucial is the involvement of local communities. 

As part of the SGI, RSG has committed to enhancing local conservation knowledge, creating jobs in ecotourism and integrating community stakeholders in biodiversity monitoring and restoration programmes.

RSG’s work in the Red Sea zone exemplifies how large-scale development can be compatible with conservation, if backed by scientific rigour, clear sustainability targets and long-term planning. 

As the world looks toward meeting the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity targets, RSG offers a replicable model for regenerative tourism grounded in ecological data and cross-sector collaboration.