Latest news with #HussamAl-Turki
Saudi Gazette
05-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
UNESCO delegation visits North Riyadh Geopark to celebrate its inclusion in Global Geoparks Network
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — An official delegation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), led by Assistant Director General for Natural Sciences Dr. Lidia Brito, conducted a field visit to the North Riyadh Geopark to mark its inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network — the first achievement of its kind in the Middle East and the Arab world. Director of the Saudi Geopark Initiative Eng. Hussam Al-Turki, along with a select group of officials and experts joined the UNESCO delegation in the tour. The delegation explored the site's unique geolandmarks, reviewed development plans and administrative facilities, and visited key formations such as Abu Shaddad Cave — home to some of the region's most remarkable geological features — and the 'Edge of the World' escarpment, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and rock layers that chronicle geological epochs spanning millions of years. Dr. Brito expressed her delight at the North Riyadh Geopark's inclusion in the UNESCO Network, calling it a remarkable accomplishment that reflects the Kingdom's rich natural and cultural diversity. She emphasized the importance of leveraging this international recognition to advance Saudi Arabia's goals for ecotourism and educational outreach. The visit concluded with an interactive session in Ghamrah Village that showcased the site's landscapes and local heritage. Earlier, UNESCO officially welcomed both the North Riyadh Geopark and the Salma Geopark into its Global Geoparks Network, an initiative that underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. Saudi Arabia aspires to have 13 sites inscribed on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. The National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) is working to develop and protect these sites as well as to promote environmental conservation, biodiversity, and nature-based tourism.
Gulf Insider
18-04-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
UNESCO Adds Salma Geopark, North Riyadh Geopark To Its Global Network
North Riyadh Geopark offers visitors fossilized coral reefs dating back over 150 million years, alongside limestone caves and mountain ranges that unveil geological transformations UNESCO has recognized Saudi Arabia's geological diversity by adding the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark to its global network — marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts. This prestigious designation opens new frontiers for geological tourism, scientific research, and international collaboration. Hussam Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, emphasized that this achievement transcends mere classification. It represents a strategic vision deeply aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in environmental sustainability. 'From the beginning, we aspired for these geoparks to be more than geological sites — they are living platforms that narrate Earth's stories, bearing witness to the passage of time and reflecting the rich natural diversity we possess,' Al-Turki told Arab News. Each geopark boasts a unique geological character. North Riyadh Geopark offers visitors fossilized coral reefs dating back over 150 million years, alongside limestone caves and mountain ranges that unveil geological transformations. Salma Geopark in Hail presents a dramatic landscape of rare volcanic formations, including calderas, lava fields, and volcanic craters that chronicle millions of years of geological activity. Beyond tourism, these geoparks represent promising research platforms. Universities and scientific centers, both locally and internationally, now have unprecedented opportunities to study Earth's layers and natural phenomena. Al-Turki noted that the project adheres to the highest global standards, with UNESCO conducting rigorous evaluations before approving the sites. This classification sends a clear message to the world: preserving geological heritage is not a luxury but a developmental commitment and an investment in a green future. 'With additional sites under development, Saudi Arabia is redefining humanity's relationship with the Earth,' Al-Turki concluded.
Arab News
17-04-2025
- Arab News
UNESCO adds Salma Geopark, North Riyadh Geopark to its global network
RIYADH: UNESCO has recognized Saudi Arabia's geological diversity by adding the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark to its global network — marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts. This prestigious designation opens new frontiers for geological tourism, scientific research, and international collaboration. Hussam Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, emphasized that this achievement transcends mere classification. It represents a strategic vision deeply aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's goal of establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in environmental sustainability. 'From the beginning, we aspired for these geoparks to be more than geological sites — they are living platforms that narrate Earth's stories, bearing witness to the passage of time and reflecting the rich natural diversity we possess,' Al-Turki told Arab News. Each geopark boasts a unique geological character. North Riyadh Geopark offers visitors fossilized coral reefs dating back over 150 million years, alongside limestone caves and mountain ranges that unveil geological transformations. Salma Geopark in Hail presents a dramatic landscape of rare volcanic formations, including calderas, lava fields, and volcanic craters that chronicle millions of years of geological activity. Beyond tourism, these geoparks represent promising research platforms. Universities and scientific centers, both locally and internationally, now have unprecedented opportunities to study Earth's layers and natural phenomena. Al-Turki noted that the project adheres to the highest global standards, with UNESCO conducting rigorous evaluations before approving the sites. This classification sends a clear message to the world: preserving geological heritage is not a luxury but a developmental commitment and an investment in a green future. 'With additional sites under development, Saudi Arabia is redefining humanity's relationship with the Earth,' Al-Turki concluded.
Asharq Al-Awsat
17-04-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO's Global Geoparks List
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. The recognition follows UNESCO's stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities. CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported. He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability. He also underscored NCVC's efforts to preserve the country's unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030's sustainable development goals. Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development. With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts. According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation. Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.
Saudi Gazette
17-04-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark designated on UNESCO's Global Geoparks List
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. The recognition follows UNESCO's stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities. CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage. He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability. He also underscored NCVC's efforts to preserve the country's unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030's sustainable development goals. Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development. With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts. The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation. Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.
