The World Bank has contracted Australian-based company Reef Ecologic to facilitate and deliver the Great Barrier Reef Professional Development and Leadership Program between 16 April and 17 May 2026. It is a professional capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the technical, managerial, and leadership skills of Saudi early to mid-career marine science and management professionals, who have been identified as possible future leaders to monitor and responsibly manage critical Saudi marine natural resources.
The Program is scheduled to be conducted adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, primarily in the Townsville region of Australia, an internationally recognised example of coral reef science and management. The Program will centre on engagement with Australian Government institutions and experts associated with the Great Barrier Reef and provide hands-on in-water training and exposure to coral reef-dependent businesses.
The Program delegation comprises eight Saudi professional staff, mainly from the General Organisation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Sea Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS).
About the Program
This four-week program is funded by the World Bank and co-designed by Reef Ecologic and the General Organisation for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), bringing participants from Saudi Arabia to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to work alongside scientists, managers and conservation practitioners.
It is designed to strengthen technical, managerial and leadership capabilities in coral reef conservation while supporting knowledge exchange between Saudi Arabia and Australia.
The program is part of a World Bank-supported project contributing to Saudi Arabia’s national priorities for coral reef conservation in the Red Sea.
Collaboration Network
Participants engage with a broad network of professionals and institutions, including marine scientists, researchers, academics, interns, industry practitioners and Indigenous knowledge holders.
Key institutional partners include:
- Reef Ecologic
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
- James Cook University (JCU)
- Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF)
- Reef Check Australia
- Local marine experts
Learning Activities
Participants engage in a mix of fieldwork, technical training, and leadership development, including:
- Identification of marine species (add link https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/2026-great-barrier-reef-professional-development-and-leadership-program)
- Coral reef monitoring and ecosystem surveys
- Sea turtle ecology and marine species management
- Reef restoration techniques
- Marine policy and governance discussions
- Sustainable tourism and marine park management
- Vessel-based reef field visits
CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH THESE QUIZZES
Corals of the Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef
Fish of the Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef
Live iNaturalist Project update
All observations during the program are recorded in the iNaturalist platform.
Live updates are published below.
Photo credits to Ocean Image Bank