KSLOF Joins the SHAMS Coral Restoration Forum to Advance Red Sea Conservation Efforts

February 24, 2025

Written by Alexandra Dempsey

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) is honored to have participated in the SHAMS Coral Restoration Forum, a pivotal event dedicated to the future of coral restoration in the Red Sea. Hosted by SHAMS (General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea) from November 11-13, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this forum brought together leading scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to discuss innovative strategies for restoring and protecting coral reef ecosystems.

SHAMS (General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea).
What does SHAMS mean? In Arabic Sho’ab= Reefs, Murjania=Coral, Salahf=Turtles.

Why This Forum Matters

Coral reefs in the Red Sea are among the most resilient and ecologically significant in the world, yet they still face mounting challenges from climate change, habitat degradation, and human impact. The SHAMS Coral Restoration Forum provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to share expertise, exchange knowledge, and develop scalable restoration strategies to ensure the long-term survival of these vital ecosystems.

*The official banner of the First Saudi Arabian Red Sea Coral Restoration Forum (left). Opening remarks from Dr. Abdulaziz Alsuwailem, SHAMS’ Chief Conservation & Strategy Officer (right).*

KSLOF’s Leadership in Coral Reef Education and Training

A major theme of the forum was capacity-building and training, an area in which KSLOF has extensive expertise. As a global leader in coral reef education, our Coral Reef Ecology Curriculum, field-based training programs, and online learning modules have helped equip educators and local communities with the tools needed to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. During the forum, KSLOF emphasized the critical role of knowledge-sharing and education in strengthening the next generation of coral restoration practitioners.

KSLOF Speaks on Scaling Coral Restoration in Parallel with Ocean Literacy

KSLOF CEO Alexandra Dempsey played an integral role in the forum, speaking on the panel titled: “Priorities for Coral Reef Restoration to Enable Scale for the Red Sea.” This session focused on identifying key priorities and strategies to scale up coral reef restoration efforts in the region. Alexandra emphasized the importance of aligning restoration initiatives with ecological, social, and economic goals to achieve large-scale, long-term impact. She highlighted KSLOF’s commitment to integrating science, policy, and community engagement to ensure that restoration efforts are both effective and sustainable.

*Panelist for Coral Reef Restoration to enable scale in the Red Sea*

Building Future Collaborations

The forum served as a landmark moment in strengthening regional and global partnerships. KSLOF had the opportunity to collaborate with marine conservation leaders, governmental agencies, and research institutions to advance the future of coral reef restoration, education, and training.

As we move forward, KSLOF remains committed to leading the way in coral reef conservation and education initiatives. The insights gained from the SHAMS Coral Restoration Forum will directly inform and enhance our ongoing programs, ensuring the long-term resilience of coral reefs in the Red Sea and beyond.

From Dialogue to Action: Ocean Foundations Gather in Stockholm

What can philanthropy accomplish when foundations working across ocean science, conservation, and sustainable development come together around a shared purpose?

That question was at the heart of the 6th UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue, held September 7–9 in Stockholm, Sweden. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation joined philanthropic organizations from around the world for three days of discussion, collaboration, and planning focused on accelerating progress during the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Facilitated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue is a growing network of more than 30 philanthropic organizations committed to advancing ocean science, collaboration, and action. Since its creation within the framework of the Ocean Decade, the Dialogue has provided foundations with a space to exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and explore how philanthropy can help advance a healthy and resilient ocean.

Hosted by the Voice of the Ocean Foundation (VOTO), this year’s gathering began with From Depth to Action, an Opening Forum that brought nearly 100 leaders from the Swedish and international ocean community together at…

Meet IFAN: Helping Bring Navigate with Care to the Next Generation

If you’ve ever seen a lighthouse flashing from the shore or a brightly colored buoy bobbing in the water, you’ve seen Aids to Navigation at work.

Aids to Navigation, often called AtoNs, help mariners navigate safely. They can mark channels, warn of hazards, help vessels determine their position, and provide other information people need to make safe decisions on the water. Around the world, these systems help guide everything from small recreational boats to large commercial or container ships.

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That connection between maritime safety and ocean conservation is at the heart of this year’s Science Without Borders® Challenge—and of our partnership with this year’s theme sponsor, the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN).