Ocean Action Forum 2025 Saudi Arabia: Advancing Marine Sustainability and the Blue Economy

The Ocean Action Forum 2025 Saudi Arabia opened at the Jeddah Hilton. It set the stage for dialogue on marine sustainability, blue economy innovation, and ocean conservation aligned with Vision 2030.

The event united government leaders, scientists, NGOs, and industry experts. Together, they discussed solutions to protect and restore marine ecosystems across the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The conference builds on Saudi Arabia’s environmental leadership and its alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.

Learn more about Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals through our feature on Vision 2030 Environmental Initiatives.
Explore related coverage on EnvironBuzz Climate Action Stories.

Collaborative Leadership for a Sustainable Ocean Future

The forum opened with remarks from Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, Senior Advisor to the CEO at the Saudi Red Sea Authority. She highlighted the vital role of science, partnership, and innovation in developing effective ocean policies under Vision 2030.

The panel “Advancing Sustainable Ocean Plans for Long-Term Marine Stewardship” explored marine spatial planning and cross-sector collaboration. Moreover, it emphasized policy alignment and monitoring systems that ensure accountability in sustainable ocean management.

Deep Tech and Aquaculture Innovation

A keynote presentation Ignasi Ferrer, CEO of Ocean Ecostructures, explained how deep tech and bioengineering can turn marine infrastructure into “blue oases” that support biodiversity.

Next, Asaad Mohamed from KAUST discussed “Unlocking Aquaculture to Advance Sustainable Oceans and Resilient Fisheries.” He showcased sustainable aquaculture technologies that improve food security, support local livelihoods, and strengthen the blue economy in Saudi Arabi

Harnessing Data, Transparency, and Marine Planning

Later sessions featured Dr. Deni Porej of NEOM Nature Reserve, who shared insights on balancing fishing, tourism, and energy development through marine spatial planning.

Mohammed AlKhalid, CEO of Netzero, highlighted large-scale mangrove restoration projects using the Mangrove Action Platform, promoting transparency and data-driven progress.

Dr. Lina Eyouni from Red Sea Global emphasized turning environmental data into actionable strategies linked to national policies and sustainable investment.

Scaling Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

A panel led by Dr. Muyassar Abualreesh of King Abdulaziz University explored nature-based solutions to restore mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes, essential for coastal protection and climate resilience. Panelists from Aramco, Cruise Saudi, and Alpha Consultancy shared real-world restoration strategies supporting community resilience.

Technological Innovation for Sustainable Oceans

Innovators Stefan Ost and Walter Krug of TraCon GmbH & Co. KG introduced Aqua BIO Kat, a new bio-based filtration technology that helps prevent microplastic contamination in aquaculture systems.

Concluding the forum, Dr. Saleh Alzamanan from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development & Combating Desertification presented the Kingdom’s national mangrove restoration strategy, showcasing its role in carbon sequestration and coastal protection..