The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) is at the forefront of the development efforts in the war-torn country in general and the Yemeni archipelago of Socotra in particular. As part of one of its projects to provide 100 boats to fishermen affected by hurricanes and tropical conditions, the Saudi SDRPY is distributing the second installment of fishing boats with modern engines in the Yemeni archipelago. Around 300 fishermen are expected to benefit directly from this delivery, which is aimed at contributing to the recovery of the fishing sector, improving family incomes, advancing self-sufficiency to achieve sustainable food production, and increasing productivity. It would also further a sustainable economic environment and increase job opportunities. Socotra Gov. Ramzi Ahmed Mahrous, Saudi Forces Commander in Socotra Brig. Gen. Abdul Rahman Bin Salman Al-Hajji, Socotra Security Director Col. Faiz Al-Shathi and Naval Commander Col. Ali Salmin participated in the event in the presence of a number of local government leaders and military and security officials. "On behalf of all the people of the province, I extend my thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammed Bin Salman," Governor Mahrous said during the event. He also thanked the SDRPY supervisor general Ambassador Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Jaber for his interest and efforts in working with program personnel on development and reconstruction projects in vital sectors in the province. The projects that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offered the people of the province would remain immortal in the minds of generations, the governor stressed, and said Socotrans would remain loyal to their Saudi brothers and sisters. Brig. Gen. Al-Hajji confirmed that the project was an extension of those the Kingdom had implemented in Socotra under the guidance of King Salman and the Crown Prince in support of all Yemeni provinces, with the direct participation of SDRPY Supervisor Ambassador Al Jaber. Al-Hajji explained that the boats being delivered had been manufactured in local Yemeni factories, according to special specifications conducive to conditions in the Socotra Archipelago. This was the second batch of boats, he said, to arrive in support of the Yemeni brothers on the island. The fisheries sector in Yemen provides employment opportunities for more than half a million individuals, who in turn support 1.7 million and make up 18 percent of the coastal population of 9.4 million. Fishing is thus a major source of income, an important sector for job creation, and a key tributary of the economy. Yemeni fisheries are a vital component of the livelihood of Yemeni citizens and a major source of food security. The high cost of boats, on which about 36,000 fishermen depend, represents a genuine challenge after prices jumped by 100 percent to 150 percent, in addition to 200% increase in engine prices. In 2018, the cost of an engine reached 3,900,000 Yemeni riyals (about $15,400). SDRPY operations are not limited to the fishermen of Socotra Archipelago, as the program has supplied 100 boats to fishermen in Al-Mahra Governorate as well. The Republic of Yemen's coastline stretches more than 2,500 km along three seas — Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea — and encompasses 10 governorates: Aden, Abyan, Hadhramaut, Hodeidah, Hajjah, Lahj, Taiz, Shabwah, Al-Mahra and Socotra. Yemeni territorial waters contain over 350 types of fish and other sea creatures. SDRPY aims to achieve its development goals in alignment with the objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development." — SG
