Saudi's Farasan Island Marine Sanctuary has been added to Unesco’s Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB), the country's first natural reserve to make it on to the list.
The site, about 40 kilometers (or a one-hour boat ride) from Jazan in the southwestern part of the kingdom, formally joined the programme at the 33rd meeting of the coordination committee.
The announcement was made by the National Committee for Education, Culture and Science and Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, which followed for three years on the candidacy, making sure all standards were met, especially that Farasan Island and its beaches enjoy a unique environmental diversity and wildlife, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The step is expected to contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the Ministry of Culture and targets the Saudi Vision 2030 through enhancing the international status of Saudi Arabia, mainly on Unesco lists, and improving the quality of life on Farasan Island through applying MAB’s standards.
&uuid=(email))