Inception Workshop Marks Launch of the HESBERSGA Project – a Four-Year Regional Initiative to Strengthen Marine Governance and Create Economic Opportunities for Seven PERSGA Member States
Jeddah, 29, Jul 2026
The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) has successfully launched a transformative regional initiative at an inception workshop held in Jeddah, bringing together seven countries to strengthen marine governance, accelerate the transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy, and unlock economic opportunities while protecting critical marine ecosystems.
The initiative, titled An Inclusive Approach for Harnessing Marine Ecosystem Services and Transforming to Sustainable Blue Economy in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (HESBERSGA), represents a historic commitment by PERSGA member states-Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen-to coordinate regional action on shared marine challenges and opportunities.
Backed by a Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant of US$ 7.35 million and US$ 50 million in confirmed co-financing from PERSGA and its member states, the four-year project will be Executed by PERSGA and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with support from the GEF. The project will enhance regional cooperation, strengthen institutional frameworks, catalyze sustainable blue economy investments, and deliver demonstrable benefits for coastal communities, women, youth, and the private sector across the region.
Addressing Shared Challenges, Seizing Regional Opportunities
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region is home to globally significant and biodiverse marine ecosystems-including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and productive fisheries-that underpin food security, tourism revenue, trade, coastal resilience, and the livelihoods of millions of people. These natural assets also support one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, critical to global trade and economic development.
However, these vital ecosystems face mounting pressures from climate change, pollution, habitat degradation, and unsustainable resource use. No single country can address these transboundary challenges alone. HESBERSGA represents PERSGA’s commitment to catalyze coordinated regional action-leveraging shared science, knowledge, and investment to create solutions that protect marine ecosystems while generating sustainable economic growth.
“PERSGA has always understood that our member states share common marine ecosystems and challenges across borders. HESBERSGA is our bold commitment to move from dialogue to action-to demonstrate that regional cooperation can translate into concrete results that benefit both people and nature. This inception workshop marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region,” said Prof. Ziad Hamzah Abu-Ghararah, Secretary General of PERSGA.
Four Strategic Components to Drive Regional Transformation
Component 1: Enhanced Marine Governance – PERSGA will update the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and Strategic Action Programme (SAP) to guide regional and national policies, integrating emerging environmental challenges and priorities for sustainable blue economy development.
Component 2: Data Systems and Action Plans – Advanced data management frameworks will support informed decision-making, including development of National and Regional Ocean Accounting Systems and evidence-based Sustainable Blue Economy sectoral pathways.
Component 3: Catalyzing Demonstration and Investment – Targeted sectoral and cross-sectoral pilots will test sustainable practices in biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, blue ports, energy, and circular economy initiatives, with results informing regional roadmaps and attracting investment.
Component 4: Knowledge Management and Institutional Strengthening – PERSGA will establish regional frameworks for data sharing and knowledge exchange, provide specialized training to government officials and technical staff, and strengthen coordination mechanisms to support member states in implementing sustainable blue economy policies and practices
About PERSGA
The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) is an intergovernmental organization established under the Jeddah Convention (1982) to advance regional cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. PERSGA’s member states are Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. PERSGA plays a central role in coordinating regional response to transboundary marine and coastal environmental challenges, supporting member states in developing and implementing regional strategies, action programmes, and management frameworks that benefit from shared knowledge and collective action. PERSGA is headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
About the UN Environment Programme
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
About the Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet’s most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex environmental challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $26 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $153 billion for country-driven priority projects.
For more information, please contact:
PERSGA Communications Office
Email: [info@persga.org]
Phone: [+966124238863]
Website: www.persga.org
