The adoption and use of drones have led to a 66% reduction in carbon emissions at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve in Saudi Arabia.

According to the development authority, vegetation cover has significantly increased to 8.5%, up from 1.4% in 2018. Covering 91,500 sq. km, the park is the second-largest royal reserve, home to 138 wildlife species and 179 plant species.

The reserve initiated an environmental protection and monitoring project using 40 drones to enhance surveillance against illegal logging and overgrazing. This project has improved the operational effectiveness of environmental security and protection teams and assisted in the training of environmental observers and rangers.

In line with the Saudi Green Initiative, advanced technologies are being employed to reduce carbon emissions and phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles by replacing them with drones. Additionally, this approach enhances environmental protection and facilitates access to rugged terrain while allowing for seed distribution across vast areas.