Saudi Arabia Assumes Leadership of Global Coral Reef Conservation as ICRI Secretariat Commences

Driving Global Action to Protect Coral Reef with Innovative Financing, AI Monitoring, and Collaboration

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saudi Arabia has officially assumed the Secretariat of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) for its 14th term, marking a significant milestone in global coral reef conservation. ICRI represents 102 members including 45 countries that are custodians of 75% of the world's coral reefs.

The Kingdom's leadership for this three-year term was confirmed by ICRI members during the 38th General Meeting in September 2024, succeeding the United States. Saudi Arabia will lead this historic role through the General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS). The virtual handover ceremony featured distinguished attendees, including Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, along with representatives from IUCN, UN Environment Program, NOAA, the U.S. Department of State and other distinguished entities.

Coral reefs, which sustain 25% of the world's marine biodiversity, contribute an estimated US$9.9 trillion annually in goods and services, highlighting their immense ecological and economic value.

ICRI members are working under Saudi Arabia's leadership to develop the 2025–2027 Action Plan. The plan aims to expand membership to include 90% of the world's coral reefs, integrating resilient reef management into global policies and enhancing national biodiversity strategies. Key priorities include boosting the blue economy, advancing reef monitoring with innovative technologies, and utilizing insights from the upcoming "Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025" report. Other notable initiatives include the launch of ICRI's Youth Strategy, strengthening collaboration in the Red Sea, South Asia and East Africa regions, and raising global awareness through major events such as the UN Ocean Conference.

This milestone underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with Vision 2030's ambitious sustainability goals and economic diversification strategy. It also complements the recently launched National Strategy for Red Sea Sustainability, announced by H.R.H. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, which reinforces the Kingdom's dedication to conserving the Red Sea's unique marine ecosystems and creating a sustainable blue economy.

Dr. Khaled Asfahani, CEO of SHAMS and Chair of ICRI, emphasized the significance of this role: "Saudi Arabia's role as ICRI Secretariat underscores our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for coral reefs worldwide. We are deeply grateful to ICRI members for their trust and recognition in selecting Saudi Arabia to lead this critical global initiative. Through this leadership, we aim to set new benchmarks in coral reef conservation, leveraging science, innovation, and collaboration to drive both national and international initiatives. Our goal is to protect these vital ecosystems, ensuring their resilience for future generations while maintaining their invaluable contributions to the global economy."

About SHAMS 

The General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) is the governmental body mandated to regulate, oversee, and ensure the sustainable management of Saudi Arabia's exceptional and one of the world's most resilient coral reefs and sea turtle ecosystems in the Red Sea. Empowered by its mandate, SHAMS leads groundbreaking research, implements large-scale restoration projects, and develops sustainable management frameworks to safeguard these critical ecosystems.

For more visit: http://shams.gov.sa

About ICRI 

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a global partnership between Nations and organisations that strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world.  The Initiative was founded in 1994 and has since grown to a network of 102 members, including 45 countries who represent over 75% of the world's coral reefs.

For more visit: www.icriforum.org

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Saudi Arabia Assumes Leadership of Global Coral Reef Conservation as ICRI Secretariat Commences

TECNO launches an industry-first CMF technology that combines ultra-fine optical fibers with mini-LED lights into smartphone battery covers

HONG KONG, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative technology brand TECNO unveiled its first breakthrough of the year—Starry Optical Fiber Technology—during CES 2025. This industry-first breakthrough intricately combines ultra-fine optical fibers with mini-LED lights, seamlessly integrating them into the battery cover of smartphones. It underscores TECNO's advancements in CMF (Color, Material, Finish) technology and marks a significant leap forward in the development of optical fiber materials for stylish design.

The Starry Optical Fiber Technology transforms the phone's aesthetics, weaving each optical fiber together into a breathtaking light display that shimmers like a galaxy across the back cover. This pioneering technology holds the potential to support applications across a range of devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Redefining Smartphone Design: TECNO's Leap Forward in Aesthetic Innovation

The Starry Optical Fiber battery cover is the world's first to integrate ultra-fine optical fibers and LED lights in a smartphone back cover, crafted through over 30 meticulous manufacturing processes. It incorporates 150 ultra-thin optical fibers, each measuring just 0.125mm in diameter, skillfully threaded through 36 micro-holes with a mere 0.7mm diameter. These fibers are securely fixed using precise UV adhesive, forming a woven, fabric-like structure that adds both durability and visual sophistication. Additionally, 108 mini-LED lights controlled by matrix based smart system are embedded within the battery cover, complementing the optical fibers to produce a stunning luminescent effect.

Despite its dazzling visual effects, the Starry Optical Fiber Technology emphasizes energy efficiency. Both the optical fibers and LED lights are designed for efficient power consumption without compromising on performance, ensuring the phone's battery life remains robust. Furthermore, the unique layout of the fibers and LEDs are configured to maintain heat dissipation, allowing the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G to remain cool and perform efficiently even during prolonged use.

A Fashionable Experience: Four Unique Luminous Modes for Ultimate Immersion

The Starry Optical Fiber Technology is showcased on the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, TECNO's latest flagship foldable smartphone. This device epitomizes the perfect blend of trendsetting aesthetics and AI-powered technology. Featuring a 3.64-inch ThruPool cover screen and a slightly curved main body, the phone delivers an immersive experience elevated by the Starry Optical Fiber Technology.

TECNO envisions its products not just as tools for efficiency but as personalized expressions of mood and individuality. With four distinct luminous modes: Tidal Waves, Rosy Sunset, Weekend Dusk, and Aurora, each mode has been meticulously designed to combine captivating lighting effects with dynamic soundscapes.

Leading the Industry: Breaking Boundaries in Material Science

Guided by its brand promise of merging innovative technology with modern stylish design, TECNO continues to redefine the smartphone experience. Starry Optical Fiber Technology exemplifies this ethos, blending artistic expression with cutting-edge functionality. Committed to pushing the boundaries of technology innovation, TECNO consistently introduces groundbreaking advancements in material science, aiming to deliver even more transformative technologies that inspire and empower users worldwide.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

TECNO Debuts Groundbreaking Starry Optical Fiber Technology during CES 2025