King Abdulaziz Reserve Concludes Second Phase Of Rangers Development Program

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has successfully concluded the second phase of its "Rangers Development Program." This phase involved training 56 rangers at the authority's headquarters in Riyadh. The initiative aims to enhance their skills to better protect and develop the environment, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and strategic goals for royal reserves.

In February 2023, the first group of 28 "reserve rangers" completed an intensive training program. This program included over 150 hours of theoretical and practical training. The training was divided into "field training" and "electronic training" to improve quality. Upon completion, trainees received a "Certified Environmental Inspector" license from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC).

Rangers play a crucial role in environmental protection and visitor awareness within reserves. The authority selected rangers from local communities to empower them in safeguarding the environment. Their responsibilities include ensuring visitor safety, raising awareness about environmental impacts, monitoring violations, assessing cleanliness levels, and maintaining security within the reserve.

The second phase of the program featured courses delivered by local and international experts. These courses totaled 16 hours of training and covered various topics. Rangers learned about plant and wildlife identification, community development, effective patrol management, dealing with violators, identifying hunting sites, reporting violations, understanding violator impacts on wildlife, enhancing visitor experiences, and photography.

The authority's goal is to establish rangers as leaders in nature conservation according to international standards. The second phase builds on the first phase held on May 29. By involving local communities in ranger selection, the authority aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards environmental protection among residents.

The comprehensive training approach ensures that rangers are well-equipped to handle various challenges in their roles. This includes not only protecting wildlife but also educating visitors about sustainable practices. The program's structure allows for both practical field experience and theoretical knowledge through electronic modules.

By completing this rigorous training, rangers are better prepared to monitor and record violations effectively. They can also assess environmental conditions within the reserve more accurately. This dual focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge ensures that rangers can perform their duties efficiently while adhering to best practices.

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority remains committed to enhancing environmental protection efforts through continuous ranger development programs. These initiatives are crucial for achieving long-term sustainability goals outlined in Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA