In a momentous development, a landmark order has been issued to create the “Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve” – a sprawling conservation area that encompasses three key administrative regions: Asir, Jazan, and Makkah. Notably, this ambitious endeavor extends its reach to encompass the territorial waters of the Red Sea.
The establishment of this reserve, which marks the eighth in the Saudi royal reserve portfolio, underscores the unwavering commitment of Saudi leadership to safeguarding environmental and biological diversity. It also aims to foster sustainable ecosystems, enhance plant productivity, and protect endangered species.
Oversight of this vast 30,152.7-square-kilometer reserve will fall under the purview of the Council of Royal Reserves, with the distinguished leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at the helm.
Spanning diverse landscapes, including sea, coastlines, peaks, plains, deserts, and valleys, the reserve is home to a wealth of animal, fish, and plant resources. It is further enriched by its cultural distinctiveness, showcasing indigenous arts and architecture, and preserving the authentic heritage embodied in the popular folklore of each region.
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The Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve is set to become the third-largest of its kind in the Kingdom, distinguished by its ecological and geographical diversity, which is both exceptional and enchanting.
Crucially, the reserve aligns with the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the realms of environmental preservation and natural resource management. It seeks to reintroduce wildlife, maintain water balance, combat desertification, and ensure biodiversity—a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Furthermore, this initiative will bolster the percentage of land under royal reserves from 13.5% to 14.9%, significantly contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative’s goal of safeguarding 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.
The benefits of the reserve extend beyond conservation. It will play a pivotal role in restoring natural ecosystems and biodiversity while enhancing the heritage and history of the areas it encompasses. With over 100 heritage villages within its borders, the reserve promises to drive sustainable national economic development, offer employment opportunities to local communities, promote volunteer work, and provide extraordinary eco-tourism experiences.
Commenting on this significant milestone, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council of Royal Reserves, emphasized that the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve is one among several royal reserves dedicated to fostering national development. These reserves serve as crucial solutions to global environmental challenges, playing a pivotal role in achieving environmental equilibrium, protecting natural sites, bolstering scientific research, boosting tourism and entertainment sectors, and sustaining natural resources.
His Royal Highness also underscored the positive impact of the reserve’s biological diversity on human health, clean air, climate change mitigation, and disease resistance. These advantages align with Saudi Arabia’s vision of prioritizing the well-being of its citizens, preserving cultural identity, and safeguarding the environment.
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“We are determined to enhance the quality of life in Saudi Arabia by developing natural resources, improving infrastructure, promoting the sustainability of non-oil economic resources, and increasing job and investment opportunities within the Kingdom,” added HRH the Crown Prince.
The establishment of the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to conserving its vast natural resources and adhering to the highest international standards. The ultimate aim is to ensure environmental sustainability for present and future generations, with a focus on nurturing natural surroundings, plant life, and wildlife.
Additionally, the reserve actively encourages eco-tourism while discouraging activities such as hunting, overgrazing, and logging. Measures are in place to preserve and enhance vegetation cover while ensuring that movement within the reserve does not harm villages, abandoned areas, or citizens’ property within its boundaries.
As the wise leadership of Saudi Arabia continues to provide opportunities for its citizens and residents to cherish the beauty of their nation, it underscores that the land is the collective property of the nation, governed by relevant regulations and instructions.
The establishment of the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve represents a monumental addition to Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts, significantly expanding the total area of royal reserves to approximately 300,000 square kilometers. This includes other esteemed reserves such as the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, the Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, and King Khalid Royal Reserve.
