Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Plan launched

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, under the leadership of Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Reserves Council, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, has unveiled the Integrated Development and Management Plan (IDMP) for the reserve. This comprehensive plan sets forth a strategic roadmap that addresses the environmental, economic, social, tourism, and cultural dimensions of the reserve, which spans an impressive 24,500 square kilometers and encompasses 15 distinct ecosystems ranging from mountainous hills to coral reefs in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve – A Focus on Environmental Restoration and Conservation

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is home to four sites that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list. The development plan is the result of extensive studies that evaluated the reserve’s historical and current environmental conditions. The aim is to restore the ecosystems, plants, and wildlife to their natural state as they were a century ago. The reserve’s 15 unique ecosystems are at the heart of this initiative, with efforts focused on revitalizing the natural environment.

Reintroducing Extinct and Endangered Species

As part of this ambitious plan, the reserve will reintroduce 23 species that were historically present within its boundaries. This includes 16 species that have become extinct in the area, 4 critically endangered species, and 3 endangered species, as identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Notably, species such as the Arabian leopard, Asiatic cheetah, and Arabian oryx are among those slated for reintroduction. Additionally, a wildlife reintroduction program is underway, supporting a broader initiative to restore natural habitats and rehabilitate over 400 species of native plants.

Building a Globally Significant Reserve

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, emphasized the importance of the IDMP in achieving the reserve’s long-term goals by 2030. “The foundation is set to fulfill the goals of the Integrated Development and Marine Conservation Plan (IDMP) by 2030, aiming to establish a globally significant reserve that preserves the environment and has deep community roots,” Zaloumis said. With a background as an international expert in creating global reserves, Zaloumis is spearheading efforts to ensure that the reserve not only conserves the environment but also delivers economic benefits to the region.

To date, 11 animal species have been successfully reintroduced into the reserve, some of which were locally or nationally extinct. The reserve has also identified new species and has trained 150 local specialists who are critical to the mission’s success. Zaloumis added, “With support from the Kingdom’s leadership in investment and commitment, we strive to integrate modern technologies with global best practices and standards in environmental conservation. We aim to share our culture in this field with the international scientific community.”

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve’s IDMP represents a significant step forward in environmental conservation and the sustainable development of one of Saudi Arabia’s most important natural assets.

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