In order to promote ecotourism across the entire kingdom, Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of an Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP) to restore as many as 15 ecosystems spread all over the country.

In a press statement, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority says that this new initiative will be a comprehensive roadmap in line with global standards to enhance development and thus tourism in the region.

The plan covers environmental, economic, social, tourism and cultural aspects of the 24,500 sqkm reserve, which includes 15 distinct ecosystems ranging from mountain ridges to coral reefs in the northwest of the kingdom.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight royal reserves established by royal decree in Saudi Arabia and is chaired by the Crown Prince to lead research and development efforts in the ‘reserve’ area. 

The eight royal 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.

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 Amaala tourism development project of Red Sea Global, which is located within the reserve. The reserve also features in four sites of Saudi Arabia that figure on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and aims 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, says the press statement.

The Integrated Development Management Plan has been developed following 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. 

Wadi connecting to coast in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve

The statement adds that the reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountain ridges, through valleys or locally known wadis to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, creating an exceptional level of biodiversity. 

According to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority 23 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 programme, aiming to protect and conserve over 400 native plant species in the reserve. 

The statement adds that 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. It says that Saudi Arabia is committed to working with the international community to address the world’s environmental challenges. 

The Authority says that the launch of the IDMP contributes to Saudi Arabia’s leading position in wildlife reintroduction and conservation, as well as the strategic objectives of the Royal Reserves Council, which focus on protecting wildlife, afforestation, enhancing ecotourism and providing job opportunities. 

Rangers inspect vegetation in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal 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,” says Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority.

“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,” he adds.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority includes local and international experts who lead research and development efforts, enhancing international and local partnerships, and promoting cooperation frameworks to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the application of best environmental practices. 

Ibex at husbandry facility in Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve

The statement adds that their research efforts have contributed to the identification of new species of animals and plants across the reserve’s diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

With its diverse range of ecosystems, strategic location in relation to the major Neom, Amaala, Red Sea Global, and AlUla projects, and partnerships with numerous specialised local and international entities, the reserve is expected to allow animals to roam freely through a 70,000 sqkm environmental corridor by 2025.