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Saudi Gazette
12-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia joins Ramsar Convention to protect wetlands and biodiversity
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, marking a major milestone in its efforts to conserve environmental resources, natural habitats, and biodiversity while advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the national economy. The Kingdom's accession reflects the NCW's leadership in developing comprehensive plans for wetland protection, including support for scientific research, monitoring, and ecosystem conservation. The center is coordinating with national partners to implement the Convention's provisions across the country. By joining Ramsar, Saudi Arabia aims to identify and manage sites eligible for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and ensure their effective stewardship in line with international standards. Wetlands are among the world's richest ecosystems, hosting around 40% of Earth's species and storing 30% of global carbon. They are vital for water, food, and medicine supply, energy production, climate regulation, agriculture, and ecotourism. They also serve as essential stopovers for migratory waterfowl crossing continents. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: 'Wetland conservation directly impacts ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia's accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that contributes to enhancing environmental and economic benefits.' He reiterated the center's commitment to global best practices in wetland conservation and rehabilitation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is the world's oldest international environmental treaty. It provides a global framework for national and cross-border cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. It covers various wetland types, including lakes, marshes, oases, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, and artificial sites such as reservoirs and rice fields.
Leaders
10-05-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Observes World Migratory Bird Day
Saudi Arabia celebrated on Saturday the World Migratory Bird Day, stressing the significance of safeguarding migratory birds and their habitats, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Themed 'Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,' the 2025 celebration focused on the vitality of integrating migratory birds into urban planning. Therefore, it seeks to decrease environmental threats and challenges they encounter in urban areas. Represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), the Kingdom has been making bold strides to protect wildlife, including migratory birds, which form an essential part of biodiversity. As part of its efforts to preserve wildlife, the Kingdom has regulated hunting, enforced strict laws in line with approved environmental regulations, and coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity. Through the launch of the Fitri platform, the Kingdom has also facilitated hunting season procedures. Meanwhile, NCW conducts field surveys, monitors migration routes, determines the status of each species, studies biodiversity hotspots and wetlands, and updates the national bird list. Furthermore, it boosts environmental monitoring and research programs across coastal and wilderness regions. As one of the most important components of biodiversity, migratory birds are a crucial indicator of environmental health. Accordingly, it has become necessary to abide by regulations and legislation and avoid any human activities that may lead to the destruction of natural environments. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Bans Polish Poultry Imports after Bird Flu Outbreak Tarout Island: Top Migrating Birds' Destination Al Khunfah: Bird's Meeting Point Short link : Post Views: 3
Asharq Al-Awsat
01-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
22 Endangered Wildlife Species Released in Madinah's Al-Bayda Park
Under the patronage of Governor of Madinah Region Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia's National Center for Wildlife, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, released 22 endangered wildlife species in Al-Bayda Wildlife Park in Madinah. The initiative is part of ongoing national efforts to reintroduce native species into their natural habitats, enrich biodiversity, and promote ecological balance in protected areas. The released species include six mountain ibex, four Arabian antelopes, four griffon vultures, six kestrels, and two collared doves. The animals were equipped with collars and satellite tracking devices to ensure effective monitoring, allowing experts to follow their movements, assess adaptation rates, and gather data to support breeding and sustainability programs. The initiative reflects the Kingdom's broader commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental restoration, which aligns with national strategies to protect endangered species and combat desertification.
Saudi Gazette
30-04-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
Wildlife Center completes biodiversity survey in the Red Sea
Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH —The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) has implemented a comprehensive scientific plan to survey biodiversity and monitor its health along the Saudi Red Sea coast, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment and support the sustainability of its natural resources. The plan was based on the environmental sensitivity map prepared by the center. Coastal sites were classified according to environmental sensitivity levels, with priority given to highly sensitive areas. Field operations were conducted to comprehensively survey biodiversity at 64 coastal sites, monitoring the health status of biological communities, including fish and invertebrates. Changes in sea surface temperatures were monitored across 37 sites using advanced measuring devices to monitor the impact of physical changes on marine ecosystems. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, emphasized that implementing this plan falls within the center's commitment to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote environmental sustainability. He noted that environmental surveys and monitoring the health status of biodiversity constitute a vital scientific tool for detecting early indicators of environmental change and disturbances, and supporting the formulation of effective policies to protect natural Qurban explained that these efforts have contributed to providing accurate scientific data that supports programs to protect biodiversity and sustain marine ecosystems, and enhances the center's ability to accurately and early assess environmental added that the project's full reliance on national competencies reflects Saudi Arabia's drive to build leading local capabilities capable of managing its environmental resources efficiently and NCW continues to implement its field programs throughout the year, as part of its commitment to protecting marine and terrestrial biodiversity and enhancing Saudi Arabia's regional and international standing in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability.
Arab News
28-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
Mangrove scheme to plant 3m trees in Jubail
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife and the Saudi Arabian Mining Co., known as Maaden, have launched an initiative to plant 3 million mangrove trees in the Jubail Marine Protected Area. It supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 to enhance coastal vegetation and preserve biodiversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. The project aims to rehabilitate degraded habitats and strengthen the role of mangrove trees in carbon sequestration, as they are among the most efficient plants in storing carbon dioxide. This helps combat climate change, protect coastal areas from erosion and provide safe environments for marine species reproduction, the SPA reported. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, highlighted the organization's commitment to protecting ecosystems and expanding vegetation cover. These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative's target of planting 10 billion trees, including more than 100 million mangroves along Saudi coasts, reinforcing the Kingdom's global environmental leadership, he said.
