The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, established in 2016 as part of Saudi Vision 2030, reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to environmental conservation.

Saudi Arabia has markedly expanded its areas for protected ecosystems and wildlife, increasing from 19 designated areas to over 400, now encompassing 18 percent of the country’s total territory.

Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, expressed his admiration for Saudi Arabia’s ‘rugged expansive beauty, natural wildness, and unique biodiversity’.

He emphasized the Kingdom's vision and leadership in advancing conservation initiatives under Vision 2030, positioning the country as a potential global leader in environmental stewardship.

Located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the reserve covers approximately 24,500 square kilometers and features 15 distinct ecosystems.

It also hosts more than 50 percent of the Kingdom’s marine and terrestrial species, designating it as one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East.

Covering 1 percent of Saudi Arabia’s terrestrial area and 1.8 percent of its marine area, the reserve boasts the longest coastline managed by a single conservation agency in the country at 170 kilometers.

It is home to 64 percent of the Kingdom’s coral species, 22 percent of its fish species, along with populations of endangered hawksbill and green turtles, as well as species such as the spinner dolphin, dugong, and whale shark.

The reserve also safeguards 1,300 species and protects more than 2,000 historical and archaeological sites, stretching from the Harrat lava plains to the Red Sea and connecting major projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and AlUla.

According to Zaloumis, not all lands are eligible for reserve status; only areas of notable ecological significance are considered.

"To be of global significance, a reserve must have conservation values that warrant its designation," he stated.

The reserve plays a vital role in biodiversity protection by ensuring the survival of various plant species and providing a safe environment for endangered animals, essential for maintaining ecological balance.

It has successfully reintroduced 11 of its 23 native species, including the sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, onager, and pharaoh eagle owl, with genetic testing being used to ensure the correct subspecies are reintroduced.

A notable achievement includes the return of the Persian onager, which had been absent for 126 years, alongside the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the rewilding program commenced in 2022.

The reserve operates under an Integrated Development Management Plan aimed at protecting and restoring its natural and cultural heritage while promoting eco-tourism and providing socioeconomic benefits to surrounding communities.

Historical landmarks from both Islamic and pre-Islamic periods, including Nabataean sites, are also presented as part of the reserve’s cultural significance.

The process to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status is stringent, requiring sites to meet specific international criteria.

The reserve currently appears on two cultural and two natural sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.

Significant community development initiatives have emerged from the reserve, with 85 percent of the staff sourced from local areas, highlighting the importance of local engagement in conservation efforts.

This includes the formation of a ranger force comprising 250 individuals, with 34 percent being women – a figure considerably higher than the global average of 11 percent for women in such roles, marking the first all-women ranger units in the Middle East.

Innovative conservation practices, such as the use of camera traps to study wildlife, are being implemented to overcome the challenges of managing a vast and diverse area.

Looking to the future, Zaloumis focuses on empowering the next generation of conservationists within Saudi Arabia.

Local students participate in environmental cleanup activities, fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards marine protection.

By equipping youth with necessary conservation skills, the reserve aims to contribute to the broader goals of Saudi Arabia’s green agenda.