The program marks a major milestone in regional conservation efforts and reflects the Kingdom’s growing leadership in safeguarding marine ecosystems.

In a historic first, the reserve team successfully tagged a pre-nesting, egg-carrying green turtle, a breakthrough that will provide unprecedented insight into its migratory patterns.

This achievement will help close long-standing knowledge gaps and support unified conservation strategies across the Red Sea region.

Led by senior marine ecologist Ahmed Mohammed and marine megafauna specialist Hector Barrios-Garrido, the team captured and tagged three critically endangered hawksbill turtles and seven green turtles.

Their efforts marked a significant step forward in building a detailed scientific record of turtle behavior and movement.

The satellite tags monitor real-time routes, nesting grounds, feeding areas, and migratory pathways. This information is vital for ensuring the protection of nesting beaches and open-sea habitats that sustain turtle populations.

The data will also guide long-term management plans designed to safeguard these species across international borders.

The program builds on ongoing conservation efforts launched in 2023, expanding the reserve’s turtle monitoring and protection operations.

With 4,000 sq. km of protected waters and a 170 km coastline, the reserve forms one of the largest continuous stretches of managed marine territory in the Kingdom. It lies along an 800 km corridor of protected coastline linking Neom and Red Sea Global.

The reserve’s shores host five of the world’s seven turtle species and serve as a key breeding ground for both green and hawksbill turtles.

Ranger teams consistently patrol land and sea areas, safeguarding nesting sites essential to natal homing, the instinct that draws turtles back to the beaches where they were born.

CEO Andrew Zaloumis emphasized the urgency of protecting hawksbill turtles, which face a high risk of extinction. With fewer than 200 breeding-age females remaining in the Red Sea, every new data point strengthens conservation plans that can help secure the species’ future.

Zaloumis highlighted the immense migratory range of hawksbill turtles, which travel across hundreds of thousands of square kilometers before returning decades later to nest.

He noted that the new tracking technology is a transformative tool for mapping critical habitats and informing national and regional conservation policies.

The program also advances Saudi Arabia’s commitments under global environmental agreements, including the UN Convention on Migratory Species and the Indian Ocean–South-East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding.

This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader environmental vision and long-term sustainability goals.

Marine ecologist Ahmed Mohammed explained that the satellite tags are designed to operate for at least 12 months, providing continuous data on habitat use, seasonal behavior, and developmental zones.

Depth sensors attached to the tags also identify seagrass meadows, which are important feeding areas for green turtles and vital blue-carbon ecosystems.

While green turtles have been reclassified globally, they remain regionally vulnerable and still depend heavily on conservation frameworks to ensure survival. All five Red Sea turtle species continue to be protected under international migration conventions.

The new satellite-tracking initiative represents a major step in deepening scientific understanding, strengthening regional cooperation, and ensuring that endangered turtles can thrive across the Red Sea for generations to come.

This strategic decision highlights the Kingdom’s growing commitment to preserving its natural heritage and achieving the Vision 2030 goal of protecting 30 percent of its land and sea areas.

The two new reserves are vital for maintaining marine biodiversity and supporting ecosystems that thrive along the Red Sea coast. These areas are known for their rich marine life, coral reefs, and stunning underwater landscapes that attract both scientists and nature enthusiasts.

The announcement marks another positive milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to safeguard its environment while promoting sustainable tourism.

Located northwest of Jeddah, Ras Hatiba spans over 5,700 square kilometers of diverse habitats.

It includes extensive coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows — all crucial ecosystems that support endangered species such as green turtles, dugongs, dolphins, whales, and sharks.

The reserve’s pristine environment also plays a vital role in carbon absorption and coastal protection, making it an essential part of the country’s ecological balance.

Meanwhile, the Blue Holes marine reserve is a natural wonder of geological and biological significance. These rare circular formations, found along the southern Red Sea coast, were first identified in 2022.

Scientists have discovered more than 20 of these formations, each hosting unique ecosystems teeming with marine life including colorful fish, invertebrates, and sea mammals. Their discovery has opened a new chapter for Saudi marine research and ocean conservation.

By designating these two areas as protected zones, the Kingdom is moving closer to its target of 30 percent protection coverage by 2030.

Currently, nature reserves cover over 16 percent of the country’s total area — a significant leap from just a few years ago.

This increase underscores the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable development goals, promoting eco-tourism, and ensuring the long-term health of the nation’s marine resources.

These conservation efforts are aligned with Vision 2030’s Green Initiative, which emphasizes biodiversity protection, renewable energy, and reducing the impacts of climate change.

Protecting Ras Hatiba and the Blue Holes will not only preserve marine ecosystems but also help create eco-friendly opportunities for tourism, research, and community engagement.

Saudi authorities have also emphasized that local communities will play a role in maintaining these reserves. Through education and involvement in sustainable practices, citizens and visitors will be encouraged to contribute to marine conservation efforts.

This collaborative approach ensures that economic growth, tourism, and environmental responsibility coexist harmoniously.

The Kingdom’s bold environmental steps send a strong message of leadership in marine conservation across the region.

By protecting coral reefs and blue holes, Saudi Arabia is setting a global example of how economic progress can go hand-in-hand with nature preservation.

These efforts also enhance the country’s reputation as a forward-looking nation investing in both its people and the planet.

In the coming years, experts expect the Ras Hatiba and Blue Holes reserves to become global centers for marine research, biodiversity education, and eco-tourism.

With world-class scientific studies and carefully planned management, Saudi Arabia’s marine reserves could become models of sustainability for other coastal nations.

The inclusion of these two stunning marine reserves reflects a hopeful vision — one where development and conservation work together for the benefit of future generations.

By protecting these rare ecosystems, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to nurturing its natural treasures while moving steadily toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Dolphins are rarely seen in the Venetian Lagoon, making Mimmo’s arrival a truly special event for the historic UNESCO World Heritage city. Visitors from around the world have gathered near St. Mark’s Square, delighted by the dolphin’s playful appearances among gondolas and boats gliding through the shimmering waters.

Mimmo first appeared in the lagoon in late June and has since been spotted several times near Venice’s iconic waterways. Its graceful movements and curiosity toward the surrounding activity have enchanted locals, photographers, and marine enthusiasts, turning it into an unofficial ambassador of Venice’s living nature.

Marine biologists, while cautious, view Mimmo’s presence as a rare and educational opportunity to remind people of the importance of marine conservation and responsible tourism. The dolphin’s comfort around boats and people has fascinated researchers, who believe it demonstrates a high level of adaptability and intelligence.

Experts from Venice’s Natural History Museum are closely monitoring Mimmo’s activities to ensure its safety. While boat traffic poses potential risks, ongoing awareness efforts aim to encourage locals and visitors to maintain safe distances and avoid crowding the dolphin’s space.

The sight of a wild dolphin amid gondolas and vaporettos offers a magical contrast that blends modern tourism with nature’s timeless wonder. Mimmo’s story has reignited discussions about preserving the Venetian Lagoon’s delicate ecosystem while celebrating the joyful connection between humans and wildlife.

According to marine specialists, Mimmo’s frequent visits might be linked to abundant food sources or a calm curiosity toward its surroundings. The dolphin appears comfortable even in the presence of boats and people, gliding effortlessly through the lagoon as though it has made Venice its second home.

As winter approaches, marine experts believe Mimmo may eventually return to the open sea, following the migration of fish away from the lagoon. Still, many Venetians hope the dolphin will continue to visit, seeing it as a reminder of the natural world’s resilience and beauty.

Environmental advocates have used Mimmo’s story to raise awareness about the impact of tourism on marine habitats, encouraging more sustainable boating practices. Local groups are promoting eco-friendly tours and slower navigation speeds to protect both Mimmo and the lagoon’s broader marine life.

Residents have described the dolphin’s visits as uplifting and symbolic of Venice’s rebirth after challenging years of climate and tourism pressures. Mimmo’s playful leaps and calm demeanor have brought smiles and hope to countless faces, making it a beloved figure in the city’s modern folklore.

While scientists keep studying its behavior, they all agree that Mimmo’s confidence and curiosity show how intelligent and adaptive dolphins truly are. Even though they cannot force it to leave, they are optimistic that its instincts will guide it safely back to the open waters when the time is right.

For now, Venice cherishes its gentle visitor as a reminder that nature still finds its way into even the most bustling cities. Mimmo’s journey has turned into a story of connection, harmony, and shared wonder — a beautiful example of how wildlife and humans can coexist with care and respect.

As tourists gather along the shimmering canals to catch sight of the now-famous dolphin, they are reminded that Venice’s magic extends far beyond its architecture and art — it also lives within the living heartbeat of the sea.