The Saudi Arabian government has announced the launch of a comprehensive “re-wilding” initiative for the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. This initiative, spearheaded by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts under the Vision 2030 framework to enhance biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and promote ecotourism.
The Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP) for the reserve, which covers a vast 24,500 square kilometres, aims to restore the area to its natural state from a century ago. This re-wilding plan will see the reintroduction of 23 historically native species, including the iconic Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and cheetah, many of which have become extinct or critically endangered within the Reserve’s borders. The plan also emphasises habitat restoration, focusing on conserving over 400 native plant species that are vital to the region’s biodiversity.
The Reserve’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, offer a unique blend of terrestrial and marine experiences. These ecosystems provide a critical foundation for the re-wilding efforts, which will be supported by advanced technologies and international conservation best practices. The Reserve is also a key component in Saudi Arabia’s ecotourism strategy, hosting developments like the Red Sea Global’s AMAALA project and featuring sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, internationally recognised for his pioneering work in establishing reserves of global conservation value and regional economic impact, said: “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.”
The reserve’s strategic location, connecting major projects like NEOM, AMAALA, and AlUla, will eventually allow animals to roam freely through a 70,000 square kilometer environmental corridor by 2025. This corridor will play a crucial role in regional environmental restoration efforts, while also providing rich ecotourism experiences and creating thousands of job opportunities for local communities.
This re-wilding effort is part of Saudi Arabia’s larger commitment to environmental sustainability, which includes ambitious goals such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 and protecting 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. The IDMP not only contributes to these goals but also supports the Kingdom’s leadership position in wildlife reintroduction and conservation on the global stage.
The reserve is also home to several Bedouin communities, who have lived in harmony with the harsh desert environment for generations. These nomadic tribes have a deep connection to the land, relying on traditional knowledge and practices to survive in the arid climate. The development of the reserve is mindful of these communities, ensuring that their needs and livelihoods are considered in the broader conservation efforts. The plan includes creating around 5,400 jobs, many of which will likely benefit the local Bedouin population, integrating them into the reserve’s long-term sustainability and tourism strategies.
As one of the eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree and overseen by the Royal Reserves Council chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is poised to become a global model for environmental conservation and sustainable development, balancing the needs of nature with those of the local population.
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See also our special section: Nature & Royal Reserves
Photos courtesy of SPA
