A KAUST-led international study published in Nature outlines a roadmap for marine life to recover to full abundance by 2050. The study identifies "recovery wedges" consisting of six complementary interventions: protecting species, harvesting wisely, protecting spaces, restoring habitats, reducing pollution, and mitigating climate change. Researchers found evidence of marine life's resilience and a shift from losses to recovery in some areas. Why it matters: The study provides actionable recommendations for large-scale interventions to achieve a sustainable future for marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and globally.
A KAUST-led study identified 15 large mammal species that inhabited the Arabian Peninsula in the last 10,000 years, tripling previous estimates. Researchers analyzed thousands of petroglyphs from scientific expeditions, publications, and social media. The study identified two species never known to live in the region before: the greater kudu and the Somali wild ass. Why it matters: The findings provide a benchmark for rewilding efforts and inform decisions on which mammals to reintroduce to the region.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with Aeon Collective, have issued a call for global leaders to prioritize land restoration and food systems. Their policy paper, launched at COP16 in Riyadh, outlines a framework for halving degraded land by 2050. The initiative aims to reverse the negative impacts of land degradation, including increased food insecurity and exacerbated climate change. Why it matters: The focus on land restoration at a major UN conference hosted in the Middle East highlights the region's growing role in global sustainability efforts and the importance of addressing desertification.
John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA, spoke at WEP 2022 about regenerative tourism. He highlighted that AMAALA and The Red Sea Project are the world's most ambitious regenerative projects today, using innovative sustainable methods. In partnership with KAUST, they undertook marine spatial planning simulations to protect the marine environment, conserve 75% of the islands, and designate nine conservation zones. Why it matters: This initiative signals a commitment to sustainable tourism development in Saudi Arabia, leveraging research and technology to minimize environmental impact while creating new industries.
A study co-authored by KAUST researchers and published in Science analyzes the intertwined climate and biodiversity crises, noting that human activities have altered roughly 75% of land and 66% of marine waters. Greenhouse-gas emissions amount to over 55 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, with global mean temperature increased by over 1.1 degrees Celsius since the preindustrial era. The study proposes an ambitious approach including emissions reduction, restoration, and cross-institutional alliances. Why it matters: This highlights KAUST's contribution to global research on pressing environmental challenges and informs strategies for regional sustainable development initiatives.
KAUST Professor Carlos Duarte presented a lecture on the rebound of global ecosystems following decreased human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duarte, a member of the Rapid Research Response Team (R3T), discussed evidence indicating the environment's capacity for recovery. He related these findings to the potential for positive change in addressing climate change. Why it matters: The lecture highlights KAUST's contribution to understanding the impact of human activity on ecosystems and potential solutions to climate change.
KAUST researchers are contributing new information about desert and mangrove plants to support Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative. They are creating a soil atlas for Saudi Arabia, studying soil profiles and microbial populations in hyperarid regions. The team has also compiled the world’s largest biobank of desert microbes, sequencing each microbe's genome. Why it matters: This research is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of large-scale greening efforts in arid environments like Saudi Arabia.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) and KAUST have launched the SAUDINet initiative. The initiative aims to advance terrestrial ecology research in Saudi Arabia, focusing on restoring degraded lands, enhancing carbon sequestration and preserving biodiversity. NCVC’s workforce will receive specialized training in biodiversity monitoring and ecological sampling, with samples analyzed in KAUST’s labs. Why it matters: The partnership aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the study of arid ecosystems and address the lack of data from hyper-arid lands in climate models.