RIYADH: Saudi wildlife chiefs have signed an agreement to expand links with an ocean regeneration initiative aimed at protecting marine biodiversity and the coastal environment. Officials from the National Center for Wildlife, and the Wave initiative, inked a memorandum of understanding at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh to boost collaborative conservation efforts in the Kingdom. Under the terms of the cooperation deal, the Wave initiative, represented by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar, and the wildlife center, led by CEO Mohammed Qurban, will work to maintain Saudi Arabia’s landscape and biodiversity, safeguard its surface water, restore balance in nature, ensure a greener future for generations to come, and support international efforts, while exploring possibilities for future joint actions. Princess Reema said the joint strategy would help bolster environmental sustainability projects in relation to marine conservation. She noted that the partnership reflected green initiatives already underway in the country and the Kingdom’s key role in supporting global efforts to protect the environment. Marine environmental protection schemes involving Saudi Arabia were being run in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Vision 2030 targets, the princess added. The National Center for Wildlife was established to protect wild animal populations and ecological diversity in the Kingdom. It aims to improve sustainability and quality of life in Saudi Arabia, and increase its social and economic impact through partnerships, events, and community programs. The center also supports initiatives and projects that positively impact wildlife development.