Juzur Farasan Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 2021, in Saudi Arabia. Juzur Farasan Biosphere Reserve is a remote archipelago of more than 170 islands and islets formed from uplifted fossil coral reef in the Red Sea. The two main islands, Farasan al Kabir and As Saqid, are surrounded by shallow waters less than 11 metres deep, natural submerged ridges and fringing coral reefs with mangrove stands, seagrass meadows, salt marsh and extensive algal communities. The reserve’s long-term goal is to protect its terrestrial and marine ecosystems and the unique species they host, to sustain and improve ecosystem services, and to support the well-being of island communities through sustainable development.