Middle East's first All-female Sea Ranger corps launched in Saudi Arabia

• Out of 246 rangers, 34% are Women, significantly above the Global average
• Female rangers' Duties include marine patrolling, conservation fieldwork, and aquatic safety

In a landmark move for gender equity and marine conservation, Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Middle East's first all-female sea ranger corps, a bold initiative housed within its expansive royal reserve.

Out of 246 rangers patrolling the 24,500-square-km protected area, 34 percent are now women, a figure that significantly outpaces the global norm of just 11 percent female representation in conservation. These newly inducted sea rangers are tasked with safeguarding a critical stretch of 17 km of Red Sea coastline, working alongside male rangers and the Saudi Border Guard to preserve delicate marine ecosystems.

CEO of the Reserve, Andrew Zaloumis, praised the initiative and mentioned, "From our first ranger recruitment in 2021, we have prioritized inclusion. Today, women are helping shape the future of conservation in Saudi Arabia."

The corps also marks a shift in leadership dynamics, with five of the reserves' 11 team leaders now women. This transformation follows a rigorous year-long marine training program, which equipped the inaugural cohort with skills in swimming, aquatic safety, ecological monitoring, and fieldwork. Conservation expert Dominique du Toit has mentored these trainees, instilling a deep understanding of wildlife management and environmental compliance. He mentioned, "This training reflects the discipline and determination of these women. Their inclusion is a significant step forward for gender equality and environmental preservation in the region."

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia is a vast conservation area spanning 24,500 square kilometers. Rangers patrol the area to protect fragile ecosystems from threats like illegal hunting, fishing, logging, and unregulated grazing. The reserve's marine zone covers 1.8% of Saudi Arabia's territorial waters, home to 64% of coral species and 22% of fish species. Rangers also maintain ecosystems like mangrove forests. Since 2022, they have conducted nearly 35,000 patrols, ensuring the reserve's sustainability.