AlUla, February 14, 2024, The Arabian Leopard Fund, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), has unveiled the Arabian Leopard Scholarship Programme, in harmony with the AlUla Scholarship Programme, during a ceremony hosted at the Arabian Leopard Fund's new headquarters in Riyadh.
This pioneering initiative encompasses 50 study missions designed to equip the next generation of AlUla conservationists with the practical expertise and knowledge essential for safeguarding the endangered Arabian leopard's future. The inauguration of the Arabian Leopard Scholarship Programme coincides with the inaugural International Day of the Arabian Leopard, designated by the United Nations and officially commemorated on February 10.
In line with its commitment to human resource development, the fund has embarked on a five-year collaboration with the British Durrell Conservation Academy. Through this partnership, the fund will fully cover the expenses of participants enrolled in the Durrell Conservation Academy's DESMAN (Durrell Endangered Species Management) Program. Additionally, a strategic partnership has been established with the RCU to craft a specialized training regimen focusing on Arabian leopard conservation techniques and the efficient management of captive breeding programs.
The newly launched scholarship programme complements the Arabian Leopard Grants, which support research and initiatives across various domains including zoology, environmental protection, nature conservation, veterinary medicine, biology, economics, and sociology.
The Arabian Leopard Fund was established by the RCU under a royal decree, with an initial endowment of $25 million, in response to the alarming decline in the Arabian leopard population, classified as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Saudi Arabia's steadfast commitment to preserving the Arabian leopard species underscores its dedication to biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Through its array of programs and initiatives, the fund assumes a pivotal role in mobilizing global efforts to mitigate the extinction risk faced by big cats and restore ecological equilibrium in the region.
