Today, the Board of Directors of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, has announced the launch of the Reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP). Consequently, this plan marks a significant step forward in the Reserve’s comprehensive strategy.
Comprehensive Roadmap for the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve
The plan is a comprehensive roadmap, aligning with global standards and addressing various aspects including environmental, economic, social, tourism, and cultural dimensions. Specifically, it covers the 24,500 square kilometer Reserve, which encompasses 15 distinct ecosystems. These ecosystems range from mountain ridges to coral reefs in the northwest of the Kingdom. Consequently, the plan ensures a holistic approach to managing and developing this diverse and vital area.
The plan enables the efficient and effective management of the Reserve. It establishes key guidelines for restoring and conserving wildlife in line with the latest global standards, including guiding species reintroduction plans through modern technologies, and setting a framework for developing and enhancing the ecotourism ecosystem. This includes Red Sea Global’s AMAALA tourism development, which is located within the Reserve. The Reserve also features in four sites on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List for the Kingdom and is aiming to become the world’s most famous heritage tourism destination for environmental conservation, whilst achieving the necessary balance with the needs of the local communities.
Wildlife Reintroduction and Habitat Restoration Efforts
The Integrated Development Management Plan follows the completion of intensive studies to determine the historical and current state of the Reserve’s environment and the steps needed to restore the ecosystems, flora and fauna to the state it was in a century ago. The Reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges, through life giving wadis to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, creating an exceptional level of biodiversity.
Twenty-three historically occurring species have been selected for reintroduction, 16 of which are extinct within the Reserve’s borders, four are Critically Endangered, and three are Vulnerable according to IUCN listings, including the iconic Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and cheetah. An extensive habitat restoration project supports this wildlife reintroduction program, aiming to protect and conserve the Reserve’s 400 plus native plant species. The Reserve aims to become a tourism destination that offers visitors a diverse terrestrial and marine experience while simultaneously ensuring the protection of its ecosystems and biodiversity.
Kingdom’s Commitment to Environmental Conservation
The Kingdom is committed to working with the international community to address the world’s environmental challenges. Specifically, key activities include reducing carbon emissions with the aim of reaching net-zero by 2060. In addition, the Kingdom is continuing to build its renewable energy infrastructure, increasing reforestation efforts, and enhancing biodiversity through wildlife and species reintroductions. Furthermore, the launch of the IDMP not only supports these initiatives but also bolsters the Kingdom’s leading position in wildlife reintroduction and conservation.
It aligns with the strategic objectives of the Royal Reserves Council, which focus on protecting wildlife, afforestation, enhancing ecotourism, and providing job opportunities. Consequently, the adopted objectives of the Royal Reserves support the Kingdom’s sustainability and environmental conservation efforts, thereby contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative’s goal of protecting 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
Future Plans and Regional Impact of the Reserve
“The building blocks are in place to deliver the promise of the IDMP by 2030 – a Reserve of global conservation significance rooted in community.”
We have reintroduced animal species, discovered several species new to science, and trained and deployed an effective ranger team of 150 local men and women who play a pivotal role in our mission.”
“Thanks to the passion of the Saudi Arabian leadership and the investment and commitment of the government, we are pioneering new techniques and technologies to complement tried and tested management and conservation practices.”
“We look forward to sharing the results of our work with the wider conservation and scientific community.”
Overview of the Royal Reserves
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority includes both local and international experts who lead research and development efforts. They enhance international and local partnerships and promote cooperation frameworks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the application of best environmental practices. Consequently, their research efforts have contributed to the identification of new species of animals and plants across the Reserve’s diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Given the Reserve’s range of ecosystems and its strategic location linGiven the Reserve’s diverse range of ecosystems and its strategic location linking major projects such as NEOM, AMAALA, Red Sea Global, and AlUla, alongside its partnerships with specialized local and global entities, planners are working to enable animals to roam freely through a 70,000 km² environmental corridor by 2025. Consequently, this effort will contribute to regional environmental restoration, enhance ecotourism experiences, and balance the needs of local communities while creating approximately 5,400 job opportunities.. This initiative will contribute to broader regional environmental restoration efforts, enrich ecotourism experiences, balance local community needs, and create approximately 5,400 job opportunities.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree and overseen by the Royal Reserves Council chaired by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The reserves include Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Khalid Royal Reserve, and Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve.