In a historic announcement that resonates beyond the shores of the Red Sea, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has unveiled the Middle East's first female sea ranger corps. This groundbreaking initiative, revealed on World Ranger Day, symbolizes a significant stride toward gender inclusion and empowerment in conservation. It marks a pivotal moment not only for the Reserve but also for the entire region, as it embraces the vision of a sustainable future where women play an integral role in protecting the environment.
The newly established marine rangers are a part of the Reserve's extensive ranger team, which comprises 246 dedicated individuals, with an impressive 34% being women. These rangers patrol the Reserve's 170-kilometer coastline, working alongside their male colleagues and the Border Guard. Ruqayyah Awadh AlBalawi, a three-year veteran of the ranger team, eloquently encapsulates the spirit of this endeavor. “I have discovered a whole new world underwater,” she states, reflecting on her journey. Ruqayyah's determination and pride as one of the first women to learn swimming at the Reserve highlight the transformative potential of this initiative, as she aspires to one day command the marine patrol boat.
Championing Gender Inclusion: A Vision for Conservation
The commitment to gender equality is deeply embedded in the ethos of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. Andrew Zaloumis, the Reserve's CEO, emphasizes that the inclusion of women in the workplace aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Despite the global conservation industry facing notable gender imbalances—particularly within the marine sector—the Reserve’s efforts have fostered an environment where women are encouraged to pursue careers in conservation. With women constituting 34% of the ranger force, the Reserve is already close to reaching its Vision 2030 target, significantly surpassing the global average of 11% female rangers.
Moreover, this initiative not only addresses gender disparities but also enhances the conservation capabilities of the Kingdom. Women bring essential skills to the field, thereby empowering the Reserve to fulfill its mission of “Rewilding Arabia.” The rangers are instrumental in safeguarding the natural and cultural assets of the Reserve while ensuring that visitors can safely experience its wonders. Their responsibilities encompass ecological monitoring, wildlife management, and compliance oversight for development projects, which are crucial for maintaining environmental integrity.
The launch of the swimming and marine training program in July 2024, under the guidance of Senior Regional Manager Dominique du Toit, has created a pathway for women to join the marine patrols. This program has already yielded remarkable results; the first cohort of seven female sea rangers is now actively engaged in protecting the Reserve’s diverse marine ecosystems, which encompass 1.8% of the Kingdom's territorial waters and harbor an array of coral species, fish species, and critical wildlife populations.
The establishment of the first female sea ranger corps is not merely an achievement for the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve; it is a beacon of hope and progress for the entire region. As Saudi Arabia moves towards its ambitious environmental goals, the inclusion of women in conservation roles stands as a testament to the power of diversity and collaboration in safeguarding our planet's future. This initiative represents a formidable step forward in reimagining conservation efforts, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
