King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Achieves Inclusion In IUCN Green List For Conservation Efforts

The King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List. This recognition came after IUCN experts thoroughly assessed the reserve's environmental achievements, community involvement, and preservation efforts. The authority's CEO, Abdullah Al-Amer, highlighted this milestone as a testament to their successful strategies and initiatives.

Al-Amer credited the Saudi leadership's support and guidance from Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the authority, for this achievement. He stated: "Since its establishment, the authority has pursued strategies, development plans, and innovative initiatives to fulfill its core objectives. Through these endeavors, we have successfully met all the key criteria and indicators for joining the IUCN Green List."

The authority's inclusion in the Green List is part of its broader local and global successes. These include receiving a Biodiversity Certificate and identifying five critical bird sites within the reserve. The authority focuses on effective reserve management and natural resource growth, supporting over 550 plant species.

Efforts to restore habitats have been significant. The authority has planted 2.4 million native tree and shrub seedlings alongside four tons of local seeds such as yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Artemisia, and Haloxylon. Additionally, they have worked on restoring 250,000 hectares of degraded land within the reserve.

The relocation of wildlife species like Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Arabian leopards is part of their conservation efforts. A total of 1,235 animals have been relocated to enhance biodiversity within the reserve.

The authority aims to manage protected areas through sustainable programs that align with international standards. Their focus includes environmental conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development.

The Green List offers essential guidelines for conservation while involving stakeholders in sustainable development processes. This inclusion marks a significant milestone in achieving strategic objectives for the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

With inputs from SPA