JEDDAH: OceanQuest, a Saudi Arabian nonprofit foundation, was launched in Jeddah on Monday to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation and engage the public.
Aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the foundation is set to lead a new era of deep-ocean discovery, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
By forming partnerships that advance multidisciplinary ocean studies, the foundation aims to enhance ocean literacy, raise public awareness and benefit humanity.
Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, chairman of OceanQuest, said: “As a nation rooted in progress and innovation, we are committed to unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity. This initiative showcases our Kingdom’s ambition to lead in science, foster global collaboration and create opportunities for future generations.
“Through this collective effort, OceanQuest will address some of the most urgent challenges of our time,” Prince Bader said.
The foundation supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by driving innovation in ocean exploration, building global partnerships and advancing sustainable development.
It plans to contribute to the Kingdom’s research and development goals by investing SR3 billion ($800 million) in research by 2050 and supporting more than 150 scientists annually.
Additionally, OceanQuest will support the Kingdom’s goal of protecting 30 percent of its marine habitats by bolstering biotech and pharmaceutical strategies, and identifying sensitive marine ecosystems.
The foundation will also enable sustainable projects along the Red Sea and use deep-sea corals as natural carbon sinks to support Saudi Arabia’s decarbonization efforts.
Based at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal, OceanQuest is committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity.