Riyadh’s Ibex Protected Area Welcomes Inauguration of Supervisory Council
In a groundbreaking move, the first supervisory council for the Ibex protected area in the governorates of Howtat Bani Tamim and Al-Hasriq has been officially inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife in partnership with the Riyadh Region Municipality.
This initiative marks a significant step towards involving local communities and relevant stakeholders in the management practices within the protected area, aligning them with global standards as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
NCW Chief Executive Mohammed Qurban emphasized the importance of establishing the council, stating, “Empowering our neighboring community to contribute ideas and suggestions towards enhancing protection programs and conserving biodiversity within the protected area is crucial.”
The protected area, located approximately 120 km south of Riyadh, spans around 1,841 sq. km and serves as a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife including the Arabian oryx, Arabian wolf, rock hyrax, and various bird species such as the lappet-faced vulture, bustards, and eagles. It is also home to numerous reptiles, amphibians, and snakes.
Not only is the area rich in wildlife, but it also boasts diverse plant life including herbs, acacia, Vachellia flava, Christ’s thorn jujube, and Haloxylon ammodendron trees.
The NCW has introduced several programs in the Ibex protected area such as camping, hiking trails, and beekeeping to promote ecotourism, support the local economy, and showcase its unique natural and cultural heritage.
By encouraging local participation, the Ibex protected area is following global best practices to safeguard natural resources, enhance sustainable management, foster community attachment, and create employment opportunities for local residents.