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From the sea to the desert, Saudi Arabia announces vast new nature reserve

The reserve spans 30,152.7 square kilometers and is considered one of the most diverse in terms of its ecological and geographical features.

From the sea to the desert, Saudi Arabia announces vast new nature reserve
[Source photo: Anvita Gupta/Fast Company Middle East]

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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to protect and improve the kingdom’s natural environment by preserving valuable ecosystems and reintroducing wildlife in each region.

In a continuous effort to reach those goals, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issued a royal order to establish the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve, which spans the three administrative regions of Asir, Jazan, and Makkah and extends to the kingdom’s territorial waters in the Red Sea.

The third-largest royal reserve in Saudi Arabia will be overseen by the Council of Royal Reserves, headed by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. 

The reserve spans 30,152.7 square kilometers and is considered one of the most diverse in terms of its ecological and geographical features.

The inauguration of this reserve will increase the percentage of royal reserves in the kingdom from 13.5% to 14.9%, contributing to the country’s vision of ensuring the protection of 30% of land and marine areas by 2030. The reserve encompasses landscapes from the sea to the desert, home to many species.

“These reserves are important contributors to national development, solving numerous environmental challenges experienced worldwide,” the Crown Prince said.

“They help achieve environmental balance, preserve natural sites and the wealth of the kingdom’s lands, and support scientific research in various fields,” he added.

The prince also added that the biological diversity of the reserve will contribute to supporting all forms of life within it.

“We are determined to develop our natural resources, improve the quality of life within Saudi territory, develop infrastructure, enhance the sustainability of non-oil economic resources, and provide more job and investment opportunities in the kingdom,” the crown prince said. 

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