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Once mistaken for mermaids by sailors, the dugongs are shy, slow-moving marine mammals now facing a very real threat of extinction. Also known as “sea cows,” dugongs feed exclusively on seagrass in shallow waters. “The presence, or absence, of dugong tells us a lot about the health of an ecosystem, its diversity and levels of pollution,” explains Mirey Atallah of the UNEP’s Climate for Nature Branch. Saudi Arabia is one of the few countries where the survival of dugongs is being actively secured.
Only 40 minutes drive from Jeddah, Bayada Island is home to coral reefs that are among the most stunning underwater ecosystems in the Red Sea, attracting divers and snorkelers from around the world. Bayada appears to float in the sea, free of surrounding landmass and vegetation, offering an immersive experience.