Red Sea Global (RSG), a state-owned tourism development organisation in Saudi Arabia and the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations the Red Sea and Amaala, has released its fourth Annual Sustainability Report that discloses RSG’s and its subsidiaries’ key commitments and progress toward ESG goals. 

According to a press statement by RSG, the report is a testament to its principal objective of delivering a net conservation benefit of 30 pc by 2040.

The report says that RSG installed 760,000 photovoltaic solar panels to power the first phase of the group’s flagship destination, the Red Sea, which opened in 2023.

It adds that RSG became the largest off-grid charging infrastructure operator in Saudi Arabia, with 150 electric vehicle charging stations and 82 electric vehicles.

The statement adds that RSG intervened to protect and enhance environments and species, such as nurturing more than 5 million plants at the Red Sea Landscape Nursery since it was established.

RSG also prevented 46,350 tonnes of CO2 emissions through carbon reduction initiatives and pledging a ‘Coral Commitment

According to the report, RSG also prevented 46,350 tonnes of CO2 emissions through carbon reduction initiatives and pledging a ‘Coral Commitment’, to protect and regenerate corals in the Red Sea and beyond, and pioneering work in coral cultivation led by marine life scientists.

Besides, it also transplanted 600,000 mangrove seedlings to four different sites in a dedicated mangrove nursery. As part of its environment-friendly initiatives, RSG has also rolled out a volunteering programme to encourage mangrove planting and beach clean-ups, with more than 200 participants, the report adds.

The report says that RSG set a new environmental benchmark with the highest-ever score for Platinum LEED for Cities and Communities certification for The Red Sea Master Plan Phase 1.

As part of its environment-friendly initiatives, RSG has also rolled out a volunteering programme to encourage mangrove planting and beach clean-ups, with more than 200 participants.

The report says that RSG set a new environmental benchmark with the highest-ever score for Platinum LEED for Cities and Communities certification for the Red Sea Master Plan Phase 1.

RSG’s Jewar app, a two-way communication channel enabled them to share news and opportunities with the local community and for them to participate and share their views.

John Pagano

“Our latest Annual Sustainability Report demonstrates that when we say we are committed to setting new standards in responsible development, we truly mean it. We are well on track to deliver a net conservation benefit of 30 pc by 2040 to the areas surrounding our destinations,” says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

RSG adds that its 2023 Annual Sustainability Report, which discloses the organisation’s sustainability performance from January 1 to December 31, 2023, reflected the firm’s commitment to accountability and transparency aligned with its aims to establish new standards in global responsible development. 

RSG says its report details how the group is monitoring and reporting against targets across environmental sustainability, social empowerment and governance, revealing strong progress across all categories.

“The work of our team across renewable energy, land and marine conservation and regeneration, social development and clean mobility is proof tourism development can be done another way. My hope is that the rest of the industry draws inspiration from our achievements and embeds regenerative principles into their own work,” Pagano adds.