RIYADH — Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has launched the Middle East’s first all-female sea ranger corps, just ahead of World Ranger Day on July 31.

The new female sea rangers will patrol the Reserve’s 170-kilometer Red Sea coastline alongside male rangers and the Saudi Border Guard, marking a bold step toward inclusive environmental stewardship in line with Vision 2030.

The Reserve’s ranger force now totals 246 personnel, with women making up 34%, nearly reaching the Vision 2030 target and surpassing the global average of 11% for female rangers.

CEO Andrew Zaloumis emphasized the Reserve’s commitment to gender equity: “The conservation sector globally has struggled with gender imbalance, especially in marine roles. From our first ranger recruitment in 2021, we’ve prioritized inclusion. Today, women are helping shape the future of conservation in Saudi Arabia.”

The female sea rangers have completed rigorous marine training under the direction of Senior Regional Manager Dominique du Toit, a seasoned South African conservationist.

In July 2024, the Reserve initiated its first marine training and swimming instruction program, culminating one year later with seven fully trained female sea rangers joining active marine patrols across the Reserve’s 3,856 km² marine section.

“This training reflects the discipline and determination of these women,” du Toit noted. “Their achievement is groundbreaking not only for the Reserve, but for marine conservation across the region.”

The Reserve’s marine zone comprises 1.8% of Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters and includes 64% of its coral species, 22% of fish species, as well as vulnerable populations of Hawksbill and Green turtles, Spinner dolphins, Dugongs, Whale sharks, and vital gray mangrove ecosystems. Rangers patrol these waters aboard two custom-designed marine vessels, ensuring continuous monitoring and protection.

Since 2022, the Reserve’s ranger corps has conducted nearly 35,000 land and sea patrols. Rangers are also involved in ecological monitoring, wildlife reintroductions, sustainable tourism management, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social impact assessments. — SG