Saudi Arabia Unveils Integrated Development Plan for Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve

KSA, 10 August, 2024 : The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority has launched its Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP) during a board meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The IDMP sets a comprehensive roadmap for the Reserve's management, covering environmental, economic, social, tourism, and cultural aspects across its 24,500 square kilometers, which includes 15 distinct ecosystems.

The plan focuses on wildlife restoration and conservation, using modern technologies for species reintroduction and enhancing ecotourism. The Reserve, which includes sites on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List, aims to balance environmental conservation with local community needs, positioning itself as a global heritage tourism destination.

Key elements of the IDMP include reintroducing 23 historically occurring species, with a focus on the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and cheetah, as well as a habitat restoration project to protect over 400 native plant species. The Reserve is also set to create around 5,400 jobs by 2025, with animals roaming freely through a 70,000 square km environmental corridor.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to the Kingdom's commitment to protect 30% of its terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

Source : www.zawya.com