Current and emerging leaders from the Red Sea have gathered at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to build expertise in and exchange ideas on coral reef conservation as part of the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Professional Development and Leadership Program.
“Australia is recognised as a world leader in coral reef research and management,” said A\Professor Adam Smith, CEO of Reef Ecologic. “Organisations that facilitate leadership development reap joint benefits including partnerships, more engaged and loyal employees, a clearer strategy and more defined culture, and the ability to be agile in the face of local and global challenges.”
“Australia and Saudi Arabia are fortunate to have amazing coral reef ecosystems, which are part of our national identities, and which provide enormous benefits to both countries said Dr Abdulelah Alrashoudi from the General Organisation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS). Coral reefs globally face many challenges, and Australia is recognised as a world leader in coral reef science and management. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very fortunate in partnering with Australia to tap into its extensive coral reef expertise to enhance our ability to monitor and sustainably manage our reefs in the Red Sea.”
Delivered over four weeks in North Queensland, Australia, the Program, led by Reef Ecologic and co-designed by SHAMS (General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles), provides intensive, firsthand exposure to coral reef and sea turtle science, management, policy, and innovation directly relevant to SHAMS’ mandate.
It directly builds technical, managerial, and leadership skills of early and mid-career scientists and managers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Program serves as a key component of a World Bank project that supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s priority efforts in coral reef conservation in the Red Sea.
“Coral reefs are a vital economic asset: they support fisheries and tourism industries and provide natural coastal defenses essential for climate resilience,” said Meskerem Brhane, Regional Director, Planet, Middle East, Northern Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan Region, World Bank. “That is why the World Bank supports countries’ efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems for present and future generations. We are proud to support this program as it will help shape the next generation of Saudi leaders dedicated to protecting this national treasure.”
The Program includes nine participants: six Saudi SHAMS staff, one participant from the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), another from the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve (PMBSRR), an Australian expatriate coordinator and technical expert, and a World Bank representative. Participants will engage with leading Australian institutions, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), James Cook University (JCU), Reef Ecologic, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), Reef Check Australia, as well as regional government, ports, and marine businesses and organisations.
Running from 18 April to 16 May 2026, the Program is based in Townsville, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It brings participants together with world-leading marine scientists, managers, and businesses. Field visits will take participants to Orpheus Island Research Station, Mission Beach, Cairns, Ayr, and the Whitsundays to learn about marine species monitoring, management, sustainable tourism, and marine park governance.
Darren Cameron, an Australian Coral Reef Manager based in Saudi Arabia and supporting the Saudi Arabian delegation said, “This Program, facilitated by Reef Ecologic based in Townsville, and supported by the World Bank and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will provide a new global benchmark in international coral reef science and management exchange”.
Participants will undertake vessel-based reef visits and engage in coral and sea turtle science and management activities, reef restoration techniques, and regulatory and policy discussions, alongside structured leadership development. These activities reflect international best practices in professional and public-sector capability development, and provide practical experience that supports Saudi Arabia’s coral reef management.
Listen to the recorded interview below.
Contact: A\Professor Adam Smith Darren Cameron
CEO, Reef Ecologic SHAMS
adam.smith@reefecologic.org darren.cameron@shams.gov.sa
0418726584
Interviews, photographs, and video available on request