Daijiworld Media Network- Riyadh
Riyadh, Jul 31: In a groundbreaking move ahead of World Ranger Day, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has announced the formation of the Middle East’s first all-female sea ranger corps — a bold step that reflects Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push for gender equality and environmental conservation.
The newly formed team will patrol a 170-kilometre stretch along the Red Sea, working closely with their male counterparts and the Saudi Border Guard. Their mission: to protect fragile marine and coastal ecosystems in one of the Kingdom’s most diverse natural reserves.
Currently, women make up 34% of the Reserve’s ranger team — far above the global average of 11% in conservation. The message during recruitment was clear: “Women are encouraged to apply.” This move has enabled greater female participation in frontline ecological roles.
Since 2021, inclusion has been a top priority for the Reserve. Today, five of the 11 team leaders across the reserve are women, marking a significant change in leadership dynamics in a traditionally male-dominated sector. “Women are helping shape the future of conservation in Saudi Arabia,” said CEO Andrew Zaloumis.
The female rangers underwent a full year of rigorous marine training under South African conservationist Dominique du Toit. They learned swimming, marine patrolling, and aquatic safety before officially joining active duty in July 2024.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve spans over 24,500 square kilometres and includes mountains, valleys, coastline, and the sea. Its marine zone, though just 1.8% of Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters, shelters 64% of the nation’s coral species and 22% of its fish. Rangers regularly patrol aboard custom-designed vessels to protect endangered marine species like whale sharks, dugongs, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Since 2022, rangers have conducted nearly 35,000 patrols — on land and sea. Their responsibilities include monitoring wildlife, reintroducing endangered species, managing eco-tourism, and enforcing environmental regulations.
The creation of this female ranger unit adds another milestone to Saudi Arabia’s conservation and sustainability goals under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by 2030.