Riyadh Hosts Inaugural Hima Protected Areas Forum
The National Center for Wildlife organized the first Hima protected areas forum on Sunday in Riyadh to discuss conservation efforts for natural habitats and wildlife in Saudi Arabia.
The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, who is also the chairman of the board of the National Center for Wildlife.
With the forum taking place from April 21-24, it is considered the first of its kind in the region and has attracted both local and international participants.
Key Participants and Projects
Red Sea Global, Catmosphere, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority are among the companies and projects participating in the three-day forum.
“We are talking about participation from Red Sea Global, AMAALA, and NEOM to work together and deliver conservation efforts,” said Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife.
Qurban emphasized that hosting Hima will bring knowledge, effort, and expertise together to preserve and protect natural resources.
Sustainable Practices and Collaborations
The center will also highlight some of the Kingdom’s sustainable practices related to environmental health, in addition to launching an expedition to examine and study Saudi Arabia’s wildlife and landscapes in collaboration with universities and educational centers.
Institutions such as the UK’s University of Oxford and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will be part of the program.
Conservation Efforts and Initiatives
The forum offers a comprehensive program for visitors, featuring activities like panel discussions, presentations, and workshops conducted by local and international experts focused on conserving nature and protecting biodiversity.
Local companies and projects attending the forum are also showcasing their efforts towards environmental protection and regeneration, such as the introduction of the oryx in the King Khalid Reserve and the planting of 1 million plants in the reserves.
Preserving Wildlife for Future Generations
Since its establishment in 2019, the National Center for Wildlife has been working tirelessly to address challenges facing wildlife and marine ecosystems, with a focus on protecting the environment for future generations.