Saudi Arabia: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve Launches Ambitious Plan To Restore Biodiversity

The Board of Directors of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, announced the launch of the Reserve's Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP).

The plan is a comprehensive roadmap in line with global standards, covering the environmental, economic, social, tourism, and cultural aspects of the 24,500 square kilometer Reserve, which includes 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges to coral reefs in the northwest of the Kingdom.

The Integrated Development Management Plan follows the completion of intensive studies to determine the historical and current state of the Reserve's environment and the steps needed to restore the ecosystems, flora and fauna to the state it was in a century ago. The Reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges, through life giving wadis to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, creating an exceptional level of biodiversity.

Twenty-three historically occurring species have been selected for reintroduction, 16 of which are extinct within the Reserve's borders, four are Critically Endangered, and three are Vulnerable according to IUCN listings, including the iconic Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and cheetah.

An extensive habitat restoration project supports this wildlife reintroduction program, aiming to protect and conserve the Reserve's 400 plus native plant species. The Reserve aims to become a tourism destination that offers visitors a diverse terrestrial and marine experience while simultaneously ensuring the protection of its ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Kingdom is committed to working with the international community to address environmental challenges. Key activities such as reducing carbon emissions with the aim of reaching net-zero by 2060 are underway. The Kingdom continues building renewable energy infrastructure while increasing reforestation efforts. Enhancing biodiversity through wildlife and species reintroductions is also a priority. The launch of IDMP contributes significantly to these goals.

The plan enables efficient management of the Reserve. It sets guidelines for restoring wildlife using modern technologies. This includes guiding species reintroduction plans and developing ecotourism frameworks. Red Sea Global's AMAALA tourism development is part of this initiative. The Reserve features on four sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List for Saudi Arabia.

The adopted objectives support sustainability efforts in Saudi Arabia. They align with protecting wildlife and enhancing ecotourism while providing job opportunities. These objectives contribute to Saudi Green Initiative’s goal of protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority said: "The building blocks are in place to deliver the promise of IDMP by 2030 – a Reserve of global conservation significance rooted in community." He added: "We have reintroduced animal species, discovered several species new to science, and trained and deployed an effective ranger team of 150 local men and women who play a pivotal role in our mission."

The Authority includes local and international experts leading research efforts. They enhance partnerships promoting knowledge exchange and best practices application. Their research has identified new animal and plant species across diverse ecosystems.

Zaloumis further stated: "Thanks to Saudi Arabian leadership’s passion and government’s investment commitment, we are pioneering new techniques complementing tried management practices." He concluded: "We look forward to sharing our work results with wider conservation communities."

By 2025, animals will roam freely through a planned 70,000 km² environmental corridor connecting major projects like NEOM and AMAALA. This will aid regional environmental restoration efforts while creating rich ecotourism experiences.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one among eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree overseen by His Royal Highness Crown Prince. Other reserves include Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve among others.

This initiative aims at balancing ecosystem protection with local community needs while creating approximately 5,400 job opportunities.