Author(s): Thue Noehr Geil; David Mcgrath; Kasper Kaergaard; Aisling Clifford; Ali Mumtaz; Basit Khan

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Daptive Planning; Ecosystem-based Solutions; Nature-based solutions NbS; Planning with nature; Sensitive Habitats; Coastal Developments; Sustainable Development; Regenerative development; Design Guidance under Climate Change; Numerical Modelling; Data-based decision support; Ecosystem Services

Abstract: In 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced Vision 2030, a strategic plan setting the framework for national economic diversification. A key tenet of Vision 2030 is to reduce dependence on petroleum revenues by enhancing the tourism sector in KSA. The development of key destinations along KSA’s Red Sea coastline was identified as a driver that would allow for this objective to be realized. The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), now Red Sea Global (RSG), was established in 2018 by KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to facilitate this vision, and they were given the remit to develop The Red Sea Destination as a tourism destination. RSG aims to develop luxury regenerative tourism and residential facilities based predominantly around an archipelago of islands within a natural lagoon, referred to as the Al Wajh Lagoon (Figure 1). Large-scale construction projects, such as the Red Sea Destination, have inherent environmental impacts. However, through the implementation of an environmental design approach based on the application of the mitigation hierarchy (a tool based on a sequence of actions including avoidance, minimising, restoring and offsetting), RSG seeks to identify environmental risks at the very start of the design process and employ a structured, iterative planning approach throughout the design to eliminate and, where potential impacts cannot be avoided entirely, minimise and offset risks to biodiversity. Working in close collaboration, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and DHI support RSG by providing science-based guidance underpinned by location-specific data collection (or baseline) surveys and application of high-quality hydrodynamic simulation models. The information gathered through baseline surveys coupled with advanced hydrodynamic modelling is applied during all stages of the project, i. e. pre-concept masterplan, concept masterplan, detailed design, construction and operation phases. This paper will showcase two examples of how the detailed three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic and sediment plume modelling, combined with ecological baseline data, provided insights into relative ecological sensitivity and conservation priorities. These insights were used to inform decision-making for planning and construction of several destinations. The examples include: • Optimisation of a pre-concept masterplan for nature positive outcomes (i. e. placement of a marina and artificial islands, protection of mangrove habitat, approach to beach design, and optimising desalination outfall locations); and • Optimisation of a fixed road link between the mainland and an offshore island. DHI and KAUST, together with RSG, have established a unique ecosystem-based approach to coastal development to the benefit of the environment and the development.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1959-cd

Year: 2025