New Supervisory Council Launched For Ibex Protected Area By National Wildlife Center

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and the Riyadh Region Municipality have launched the first supervisory council for the Ibex protected area. This area spans the governorates of Howtat Bani Tamim and Al-Hariq. The initiative aims to involve local communities and stakeholders in managing the protected area, aligning with global standards, according to NCW.

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, NCW's chief executive, emphasised the significance of this initiative. "Establishing the council empowers our neighbouring community to contribute ideas and suggestions towards enhancing protection programs and conserving biodiversity within the protected area," he stated. "Engaging with the community promotes operational excellence, governance, and efficiency, ensuring the sustainable use of our natural resources. This connection is integral, holding profound value across generations, bolstering conservation efforts, and nurturing environmental awareness among local residents."

International experiences show that local community involvement in managing protected areas leads to positive outcomes. These include improved ecotourism initiatives, restoration of native species habitats, and economic growth through job creation. Global best practices advocate for such participation to safeguard natural resources sustainably while strengthening community ties to these landscapes.

NCW has introduced several programs within the Ibex protected area to promote ecotourism and support local economic activities. These programs include camping, hiking trails, and beekeeping. They aim to highlight the area's unique natural and cultural heritage while providing economic benefits to the local community.

The Ibex protected area is located about 120 kilometers south of Riyadh. It covers approximately 1,841 square kilometers as an extension of the Tuwaiq mountains. The region features diverse geographical elements such as valleys, rock formations, plateaus, slopes, and rocky cliffs.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

This rich landscape supports a variety of wildlife including mammals like Arabian oryx, Arabian wolf, and rock hyrax. Bird species such as lappet-faced vultures, bustards, and eagles also inhabit this area. Additionally, it is home to numerous reptiles, amphibians, and snakes.

The plant life in the Ibex protected area is equally diverse. It includes herbs, acacia trees, Vachellia flava, Christ's thorn jujube trees, and Haloxylon ammodendron trees. These plants are essential for beekeeping activities that produce high-quality honey.

The establishment of this supervisory council marks a pivotal step in NCW's commitment to enhancing management practices within protected areas by involving local communities. This approach not only fosters sustainable resource management but also strengthens community attachment to these landscapes.

The Ibex protected area's diverse geographical features provide rich grazing grounds that support myriad wildlife species. Over time, it has evolved into a sanctuary for various mammals alongside diverse bird species.

Involving local communities in managing protected areas yields positive outcomes by enhancing ecotourism initiatives and restoring native species habitats while stimulating economic growth through job creation.

This initiative aligns with global best practices advocating for local participation in safeguarding natural resources within protected areas sustainably while strengthening community ties to these landscapes.

With inputs from SPA