9 INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
BRINGING EXPERTISE TO THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY KAUST expands research collaboration with the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project The Kingdom’s flagship tourism destination and one of the giga-projects envisioned by Vision 2030 is benefiting from a research partnership between KAUST and The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC). In June 2021, KAUST and TRSDC signed a master research agreement focused on mutually beneficial projects that support ecosystem restoration and sustainable development in and around the Red Sea. The agreement follows extensive collaboration between the two organizations on flora and fauna assessments, marine spatial planning and an international competition called the Brains for Brine Challenge. It cements the legal framework for
THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY “The Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia is one of the most pristine environments in the world, and by working with KAUST, we can not only preserve, but actually enhance, this unique treasure for future generations.” John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company
mutually beneficial research projects on topics including sustainability of marine environments, waste management systems, sustainable food production, energy conservation and carbon sequestration. The Red Sea coast is home to coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses and other organisms that add to the area’s rich biodiversity. The research and development undertakings of both KAUST and TRSDC will inform and guide efforts to go beyond environmental protection and ensure that these critical habitats are enhanced to support the future growth of flora and fauna populations, including critically endangered species like the Hawksbill turtle. Efforts to track environmental changes over time are already under way. A KAUST-TRSDC working group is also planning a joint Marine Research and Coral Conservation Center at the project site. The Red Sea Project, which will begin welcoming guests by the end of 2022, is pioneering new sustainability standards in regenerative development. It will be the largest tourism development powered entirely by renewable energy, specifically wind and solar power. Part of the mission is to develop the world’s largest battery storage facility. Other ambitious goals include carbon neutrality and enhanced biodiversity at the site, with a commitment to deliver a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040.
DONAL BRADLEY Vice President for Research
KAUST, THROUGH ITS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EXPERTISE, IS DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS PROJECT TO BECOME A PREMIER GLOBAL DESTINATION FOR LUXURY, REGENERATIVE TOURISM.
In 2021, TRSDC also partnered with KAUST spinout and agritech business Red Sea Farms, which will help TRSDC develop a sustainable food supply for the Red Sea Project. “At TRSDC, we believe in embracing innovations to solve the challenges we face as we attempt to improve our relationship with the environment,” Pagano said. “Red Sea Farms’ technology is novel, exciting and can help tackle food scarcity globally.”
