Saudi Royal Reserve Sets New Conservation And Ecotourism Standards With Development Plan

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has unveiled the Reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP). This comprehensive roadmap aligns with global standards and covers environmental, economic, social, tourism, and cultural aspects of the 24,500 square kilometre Reserve.

The IDMP sets guidelines for wildlife restoration and conservation using modern technologies. It includes plans for species reintroduction and aims to develop the ecotourism ecosystem. The Reserve features 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges to coral reefs in the northwest of Saudi Arabia.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, stated: "The building blocks are in place to deliver the promise of the IDMP by 2030 – a Reserve of global conservation significance rooted in community." He added that they have reintroduced animal species and discovered several new species.

The Reserve aims to become a leading heritage tourism destination while balancing environmental conservation with local community needs. It includes Red Sea Global’s AMAALA tourism development within its boundaries. The Reserve is also featured on four sites on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List for Saudi Arabia.

The plan follows extensive studies on the historical and current state of the Reserve’s environment. These studies identified steps needed to restore ecosystems, flora, and fauna to their state from a century ago. The habitat restoration project supports this effort by protecting over 400 native plant species.

Strategic Objectives and Global Partnerships

The launch of the IDMP aligns with Saudi Arabia's strategic objectives in wildlife reintroduction and conservation. It supports the Royal Reserves Council's goals of protecting wildlife, afforestation, enhancing ecotourism, and creating job opportunities. The plan contributes to the Saudi Green Initiative's aim to protect 30% of the Kingdom's terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree. Other 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.

Environmental Restoration Efforts

The Kingdom is committed to addressing global environmental challenges through activities like reducing carbon emissions to achieve net-zero by 2060. Efforts also include building renewable energy infrastructure, increasing reforestation, and enhancing biodiversity through wildlife reintroductions.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority collaborates with local and international experts for research and development. Their efforts have led to identifying new animal and plant species across diverse ecosystems within the Reserve.

By 2025, animals are expected to roam freely through a 70,000 km² environmental corridor connecting major projects like NEOM, AMAALA, Red Sea Global, and AlUla. This initiative will contribute to regional environmental restoration efforts while providing rich ecotourism experiences and creating around 5,400 job opportunities.

Zaloumis highlighted: "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." He expressed eagerness to share their work results with the broader conservation community.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority's research efforts enhance international partnerships and promote cooperation frameworks. These initiatives facilitate knowledge exchange and apply best environmental practices globally.

With inputs from SPA