Rewilding Efforts in Saudi Arabia: Balancing the Ecosystem
In a bid to restore and sustain biodiversity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in rewilding efforts.
Rewilding involves reintroducing wild animals, restoring wilderness areas, and promoting natural processes to create a balanced ecosystem.
Insights from the Hima Protected Areas Forum
At the Hima protected areas forum in Riyadh, experts such as Paul Marshall and Prof. Philip Seddon shared their thoughts on rewilding, restoration, and reintroduction of species.
Ahmad Al-Boug emphasized the importance of restoring native and endangered species to their natural habitats within the Kingdom.
Marshall highlighted NEOM’s rewilding program, focusing on ecological benefits and the restoration of natural dynamics in arid ecosystems.
However, he also acknowledged the potential ecological risks associated with rewilding, such as mismatches between reintroduced and existing species.
Steps for Successful Rewilding
Robert Muir outlined key steps for successful rewilding, including animal protection and addressing threats to habitat and wildlife.
Marshall praised Saudi Arabia for its forward-thinking approach to conservation, making it a beacon for future generations.
Environmental Protection and Conservation Efforts
NEOM successfully bred four Arabian oryx, a species that had not roamed Saudi sands for a century due to near extinction.
The Kingdom is enhancing environmental protection programs in its reserves to ensure sustainable practices.
The National Center for Wildlife organized the Hima forum to discuss conservation efforts for natural habitats and wildlife in Saudi Arabia, with Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli leading the initiative since its launch in 2019.