Saudi Arabia: Uruq Bani Ma’arid Achieves Recognition On IUCN Green List For Protected Areas

Uruq Bani Ma’arid, a vital ecological site in Saudi Arabia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas.

This achievement underscores the site's global ecological significance and highlights Saudi Arabia's growing role in conserving arid-land habitats. The Kingdom's inclusion of Uruq Bani Ma’arid follows previous Green List recognitions for the Ibex Protected Area and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

The IUCN Green List is a global standard for effective and fair management of protected areas. To be included, sites must show transparent governance, measurable conservation outcomes, and active involvement with local communities. Uruq Bani Ma’arid met these standards through integrated planning, robust ecological monitoring, and habitat restoration initiatives.

Uruq Bani Ma’arid covers 12,765 square kilometers on the western edge of the Empty Quarter, the world's largest continuous sand desert. It boasts the highest biodiversity in this vast desert region. In 2023, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional natural value.

The National Center for Wildlife oversees Uruq Bani Ma’arid's conservation efforts. They have successfully implemented a breeding and reintroduction program for the endangered Arabian oryx. This initiative demonstrates their commitment to preserving biodiversity in challenging environments.

Dr. Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, remarked on this achievement: "Uruq Bani Ma’arid exemplifies what science-guided conservation can achieve in extreme landscapes. Its inclusion on the IUCN Green List reflects our dedication to protecting biodiversity and delivering real conservation impact at both national and global scales."

This milestone supports Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the global 30x30 biodiversity target, which aims to protect 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. It also aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, integrating conservation as a core component of Vision 2030.

These achievements highlight Saudi Arabia's ongoing progress towards excellence in managing protected areas. The recognition of Uruq Bani Ma’arid further cements its status as an ecologically significant site with global importance.

With inputs from SPA