RIYADH, Saudi Arabia,
Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/
-- Today, the Board of Directors of the Prince Mohammed bin
Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, chaired by His Royal
Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, announced the launch of the
Reserve's Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP).
The plan is a comprehensive roadmap in line with global
standards, covering the environmental, economic, social, tourism,
and cultural aspects of the 24,500 square kilometer Reserve, which
includes 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges to
coral reefs in the northwest of the Kingdom.
The plan enables the efficient and effective management of the
Reserve. It establishes key guidelines for restoring and conserving
wildlife in line with the latest global standards, including
guiding species reintroduction plans through modern technologies,
and setting a framework for developing and enhancing
the ecotourism ecosystem. This includes Red Sea Global's
AMAALA tourism development, which is located within the Reserve.
The Reserve also features in four sites on the UNESCO World
Heritage Tentative List for the Kingdom and is aiming to
become the world's most famous heritage tourism destination for
environmental conservation, whilst achieving the necessary balance
with the needs of the local communities.
The Integrated Development Management Plan follows the
completion of intensive studies to determine the historical and
current state of the Reserve's environment and the steps needed to
restore the ecosystems, flora and fauna to the state it was in a
century ago. The Reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging
from mountain ridges, through life giving wadis to the coral reefs
of the Red Sea, creating an exceptional level of biodiversity.
Twenty-three historically occurring species have been selected for
reintroduction, 16 of which are extinct within the Reserve's
borders, four are Critically Endangered, and three are Vulnerable
according to IUCN listings, including the iconic Arabian oryx,
Arabian leopard, and cheetah. An extensive habitat restoration
project supports this wildlife reintroduction program, aiming to
protect and conserve the Reserve's 400 plus native plant species.
The Reserve aims to become a tourism destination that offers
visitors a diverse terrestrial and marine experience while
simultaneously ensuring the protection of its ecosystems and
biodiversity.
The Kingdom is committed to working with the international
community to address the world's environmental challenges. Key
activities such as reducing carbon emissions with the aim of
reaching net-zero by 2060, continuing to build the Kingdom's
renewable energy infrastructure, increasing reforestation, and
enhancing biodiversity, including wildlife and
species reintroductions, are underway. The launch of the IDMP
contributes to the Kingdom's leading position in wildlife
reintroduction and conservation, as well as the strategic
objectives of the Royal Reserves Council, which focus on protecting
wildlife, afforestation, enhancing ecotourism, and providing job
opportunities. The adopted objectives of the Royal Reserves support
the Kingdom's efforts in sustainability and environmental
conservation, contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative's goal of
protecting 30% of the Kingdom's terrestrial and marine areas by
2030.
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority,
internationally recognized for his pioneering work in establishing
reserves of global conservation value and regional economic impact,
said:
"The building blocks are in place to deliver the promise of
the IDMP by 2030 – a Reserve of global conservation significance
rooted in community."
We have reintroduced animal species, discovered several
species new to science, and trained and deployed an effective
ranger team of 150 local men and women who play a pivotal role in
our mission."
"Thanks to the passion of the Saudi Arabian leadership and
the investment and commitment of the government, we are pioneering
new techniques and technologies to complement tried and tested
management and conservation practices."
"We look forward to sharing the results of our work with the
wider conservation and scientific community."
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development
Authority includes local and international experts who lead
research and development efforts, enhancing international and local
partnerships, and promoting cooperation frameworks to facilitate
the exchange of knowledge and the application of best environmental
practices. Their research efforts have contributed to the
identification of new species of animals and plants across the
Reserve's diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Given the Reserve's range of ecosystems and strategic location
connecting the major projects of NEOM, AMAALA, Red Sea Global, and
AlUla, and its partnerships with many specialized local and global
entities, it is planned that by 2025, animals will be able to roam
freely through a 70,000 km² environmental corridor, contributing to
the wider regional environmental restoration efforts, as well as
creating rich experiences for ecotourism and achieving the
necessary balance with the needs of the local communities and the
creation of around 5,400 job opportunities.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal
Reserves established by Royal Decree
and overseen by the Royal Reserves Council chaired by His Royal
Highness the Crown Prince. The reserves include Imam Abdulaziz bin
Mohammed Royal Reserve, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Imam
Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve,
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Khalid Royal Reserve,
and Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve.
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