NCW And Riyadh Municipality Initiate First Council For Ibex Protected Area Management

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), in partnership with the Riyadh Region Municipality, has launched the first supervisory council for the Ibex protected area. This area includes the governorates of Howtat Bani Tamim and Al-Hariq. The initiative aims to involve local communities and stakeholders to improve management practices, aligning them with global standards, according to an NCW news release.

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, NCW's chief executive, emphasized the significance of this initiative. "Establishing the council empowers our neighboring community to contribute ideas and suggestions towards enhancing protection programs and conserving biodiversity within the protected area," he said. "Engaging with the community promotes operational excellence, governance, and efficiency, ensuring the sustainable use of our natural resources."

Involving local communities in managing protected areas is a global best practice. It helps safeguard natural resources while fostering sustainable resource management. This approach also strengthens community attachment to these landscapes. International experiences show that such involvement leads to positive outcomes like enhanced ecotourism initiatives, restoration of native species, and economic growth through job creation.

The Ibex protected area is located about 120 kilometers south of Riyadh and spans approximately 1,841 square kilometers. It is part of the Tuwaiq mountains and features diverse geographical elements such as valleys, rock formations, plateaus, slopes, and rocky cliffs. These features provide rich grazing grounds that support a variety of wildlife.

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

The Ibex protected area has evolved into a sanctuary for various mammals like the Arabian oryx, Arabian wolf, and rock hyrax. It also hosts diverse bird species including lappet-faced vultures, bustards, and eagles. Additionally, numerous reptiles, amphibians, and snakes inhabit the area.

Diverse Flora Supporting Beekeeping

The region is renowned for its diverse plant life which includes herbs, acacia trees, Vachellia flava, Christ's thorn jujube, and Haloxylon ammodendron trees. These plants are vital for beekeeping activities that produce premium-quality honey.

"This connection is integral," Dr. Qurban added. "It holds profound value across generations by bolstering conservation efforts and nurturing environmental awareness among local residents." The initiative aims to ensure sustainable use of natural resources while promoting operational excellence.

The establishment of this council marks a pivotal step in NCW's commitment to involving local communities in conservation efforts. By doing so, they aim to enhance protection programs within the Ibex protected area while fostering a deeper connection between residents and their natural environment.

With inputs from SPA