Why you should choose us?

The Horn of Africa and its neighbour, the Arabian Peninsula, have long been sites of conflict and instability. The devastating wars in Yemen and Sudan, the spillover from civil wars in Ethiopia, and the ongoing turmoil in Somalia have created a fragile state of peace and security in the region. Moreover, interstate disagreements and tensions stemming from ideological differences, boundary disputes, and competition for resources such as water and access to the sea further complicate the situation. This environment has been cultivated and exacerbated by external powers' political and military interventions vying for a geostrategic edge in the region. Regional efforts, including those of individual states, the AU, IGAD, and other regional structures, have yielded limited results. While military capability and close cooperation among the militaries of the littoral states are crucial, ensuring security necessitates a more comprehensive strategy that considers the potential of other societal actors, such as coastal communities, the business sector, civil society, and research institutions. The urgency for such an approach arises from the understanding that challenges extend beyond military means. Human trafficking, the illicit transfer of small arms and drugs, environmental pollution, illegal and unreported fishing, and other pervasive issues threaten human security and require robust regional cooperation that surpasses state institutions. In this context, RSI intends to approach peace and security in an integrated manner, linking state security and human security conceptually and practically. RSI will monitor emerging developments and inform policymakers and other stakeholders. To gain a deeper understanding, RSI will conduct research and convene policy dialogue conferences with practical recommendations.

As stated above, the Red Sea is renowned for its pristine coastal ecosystems, which host a wide variety of marine species. These ecosystems include coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, all of which provide essential habitats for marine life. The coral reefs, in particular, are among the most diverse and resilient in the world, supporting a vast array of fish and invertebrate species. In addition to its biological diversity, the Red Sea is abundant in natural resources. However, these ecosystems and the natural resources are threatened by many adverse factors. Such assessments about the environment and natural resources are based on research done by Western institutions. The significant data sitting in research institutes in the United States and Europe are only partially publicly available. Due to capacity and resource limitations, there is little scientific research on the Red Sea literal states; hence, societies of the literal states have very little knowledge about the marine assets they own. This, in turn, paralyses the government's ability to develop data-informed, effective policies for protecting the marine environment and the sustainable exploitation of the Red Sea’s natural resources. For example, climate change is increasingly threatening the environment of the Red Sea. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are damaging coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. However, the governments of littoral states lack local data to develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to safeguard these valuable resources. Pollution presents a significant threat to the Red Sea's environment. Industrial discharges, oil spills, and plastic waste are major pollutants that can severely harm marine ecosystems. These pollutants can endanger marine life, degrade water quality, and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Efforts to mitigate pollution through stricter regulations, improved waste management practices, and closer cooperation among states are essential for protecting the Red Sea's environment. Establishing transfrontier maritime conservation areas could be one of the strategies for the states to collaborate. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is another critical issue facing the Red Sea. IUU fishing depletes fish stocks, disrupts marine ecosystems, and undermines efforts to manage fisheries sustainably. It also endangers the livelihoods of local communities that depend on fishing for their income. Combating IUU fishing necessitates an enhanced monitoring system supported by satellite technology, enforcement of fishing regulations, and regional cooperation—all of which are vital approaches to tackling IUU. Everything begins with policies. RSI aims to contribute by fostering discussions with governments and other stakeholders while supporting policy development, drawing on best practices from the African continent and beyond. RSI will also assist member states in harmonising their legislative frameworks and policies to effectively coordinate their actions in protecting the Red Sea's marine ecosystem. To establish a foundation, RSI will conduct research in relevant areas to understand the nature of the challenges and the existing efforts and initiatives and to identify areas for improvement.