RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority celebrated its inclusion in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List.
The celebration took place on the sidelines of the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Malham, north of Riyadh.
The recognition came after a comprehensive assessment of the reserve by IUCN experts, who evaluated its environmental and developmental accomplishments, as well as its community engagement and preservation efforts.
The authority has planted 2.4 million native seedlings and 4 tonnes of seeds, including yarrow, artemisia and haloxylon, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
It has restored 250,000 hectares of degraded habitats and relocated 1,235 wildlife species, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Arabian leopards.
The authority manages protected areas through sustainable programs focused on conservation, community involvement and development, in alignment with international standards.
