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Key Milestones in Saudi Arabia's Protected Areas Governance

NCW established and designated as the lead national center for protected areas in March 2019.

A Royal Decree called for the registration and designation of all protected areas through the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

National Environment Law and the subsidiary Protected Areas Regulations articulate the definition of protected areas and the set of policies, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to their establishment, management, and monitoring.

NCW’s new and enlightened mandate and mission is

Preserving and developing wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems by enhancing community participation through comprehensive and effective programs to achieve environmental. Today, Saudi Arabia boasts 38 protected areas, covering a significant portion of the country's land and territorial waters. The goal of designating 30% of the Kingdom within protected areas by 2030 aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Global Biodiversity Framework, showcasing the Kingdom's commitment to conservation.

‘Uruq Bani Ma’arid
(World Heritage Site)

The property encompasses the western part of the greatest expanse of windblown sand on Earth, known as Ar Rub' al-KhaIi, and conserves a portion of one of the Earth’s most spectacular desert landscapes.

Jurf Raydah
Protected Area

It is one of the smallest nature reserves in the Kingdom with an area less than 10 km located in the southwest within the Sarwat mountain range. It has one of the highest local heights at about 3,000m above sea level. This distinguished topographic composition, in addition to climate factors represented by the highest rainfall recorded in the Kingdom, contributes to the presence of a distinctive biological diversity of habitats and species, especially plant diversity.

Al- Wu'ul
Protected Area

It is located in the central region, south of Hariq and west of Houtat Bani Tamim areas, about 180 km away from Riyadh. It covers an area of 1,840.9 km ² (710.7 square miles).

Jabal Shada al-A'la
Protected Area

It is located in the southwest of the Al-Baha area, northwest of Al-Makhwah Governorate, at a distance of 20 km has an area of 68.6 km²
(26.4 square miles). It is considered a reserve of a special nature.

Nafud 'Urayq
Protected Area

It is located in the central region, southwest of the city of Qassim. It covers an area of 2036.1 km² (785.7 square miles). Their environments are characterized by fortified sandy plains and some granite or basaltic mountains. With good vegetation, some birds, especially squid, are encouraged to resettle.

Jazirat Ummal-Qamari
Protected Area

Umm Al-Qamari Island PA is located southwest of the city of Al-Qanfat in the Red Sea. It consists of two islands, Umm Al-Qamari Al-Barani and Umm Al-Qamari Al-Fawqaniyah. The total area of the two islands is about 4.03 km² (1.55 square miles) which is considered of a special nature.

NCW’s new and enlightened mandate and mission is

Preserving and developing wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems by enhancing community participation through comprehensive and effective programs to achieve environmental. Today, Saudi Arabia boasts 38 protected areas, covering a significant portion of the country's land and territorial waters. The goal of designating 30% of the Kingdom within protected areas by 2030 aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Global Biodiversity Framework, showcasing the Kingdom's commitment to conservation.

OUR LEGACY

As we journey through Saudi Arabia's protected areas, we witness a blend of past traditions and present efforts, creating a harmonious tapestry for the future of our planet.

Organized by the National Center for Wildlife

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