The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) is dedicated to providing science-based solutions to protect, preserve, and restore the health of our living oceans. Over the past year, we have worked with partners around the world to advance this mission. Our 2024 Annual Report highlights our progress in coral reef conservation, mangrove restoration, and ocean literacy, as well as our growing role in international discussions on marine conservation.
More than two decades ago, our founder, HRH Prince Khaled bin Sultan, established the Living Oceans Foundation with a vision to safeguard the marine environment for future generations. Today, we are proud to carry forward his legacy, applying science, outreach, and education to develop science-based solutions that protect marine ecosystems. KSLOF’s new five-year strategic plan, Building Our Futures (2025-2030), outlines our vision for protecting marine ecosystems while enhancing public awareness and improving ocean literacy. Focused on the conservation of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass ecosystems, this plan aims to inspire global support for protecting these critical ecosystems before it’s too late.
Conserving Coral Reefs
The Living Oceans Foundation continues to focus on the conservation of one of the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems on Earth—coral reefs. Using data gathered during our Global Reef Expedition—a ten-year research mission to survey and map coral reefs around the world, KSLOF continues to develop innovative solutions to enhance reef resilience and conserve coral reefs. These efforts include launching programs to train local communities to protect these critical habitats, developing new educational and outreach materials, and expanding our coral conservation efforts in regions at risk, including the Red Sea and small island nations, to combat the loss of coral reefs through science-driven initiatives and stakeholder collaboration.
This past year, we expanded our work in the Red Sea through partnerships with the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) and the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). These efforts focus on enhancing reef resilience, restoring coral habitats, and promoting sustainable marine management. We also provided scientific guidance for the development of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Chagos Archipelago.
Restoring Mangrove Forests
Recognizing the critical role of mangroves in coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, KSLOF has prioritized their restoration through our Mangrove Education & Restoration programs. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program, which has empowered students and teachers to take an active role in restoring mangrove forests. In The Bahamas, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program engaged high school students in restoration and monitoring efforts, helping them build a deeper understanding of these critical ecosystems.
By combining science, community engagement, and education, these programs are equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and restore mangrove forests in their communities.
Improving Ocean Literacy
Education and outreach lie at the heart of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Ocean Foundation’s efforts to foster a greater understanding of marine ecosystems. The Building Our Futures plan prioritizes improving ocean literacy through new and enhanced educational content, global awareness campaigns, and innovative learning tools. Through programs like the Science Without Borders® Challenge, we are engaging students around the world in ocean conservation. This year’s competition, themed “Hidden Wonders of the Deep,” invited young artists to explore the beauty and importance of deep-sea ecosystems. With over 1,700 entries from 82 countries, the competition continues to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect marine life.
Additionally, the Foundation expanded its educational resources in 2024, including new educational materials on coral reefs and mangrove conservation. For example, our Reefs at Risk Activity and Coloring Book engages audiences of all ages in learning about coral reefs and the threats they face in a rapidly changing world. We continue to develop new STEAM-based learning tools, bringing ocean science into classrooms around the world.
A Voice in Global Marine Conservation Efforts
Throughout the year, the Foundation participated in key international conservation discussions, including COP29 in Baku, COP16 in Riyadh, and the UN High-Level Meeting on Sea Level Rise. We also continue to be an active participant in the Foundations Dialogue, aligning our ocean conservation efforts with other philanthropic organizations working to advance ocean science for sustainable development. These events provided opportunities to share insights from our work, collaborate with global conservation leaders, and highlight the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
Looking Forward
The 2024 Annual Report provides an overview of the Foundation’s achievements, partnerships, and initiatives from the past year. As we move forward, we remain committed to advancing marine conservation, restoring critical habitats, and educating and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.
We invite you to explore the full report to learn more about our work and the impact we are making on the health of our living oceans. Together, we can ensure a future where coral reefs thrive, mangroves flourish, and our oceans remain healthy for generations to come.
