Regional Conservation Collaboration: The 10th Regional Conservation Forum, hosted by Saudi Arabia, gathered representatives from 13 West Asian countries to discuss conservation challenges, share knowledge, and develop strategies for future environmental initiatives.Saudi Leadership in Conservation: The King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority highlighted its commitment to enhancing partnerships and innovation in biodiversity preservation, emphasizing its role in protecting one of the region's largest protected areas.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation: The forum explored key topics such as habitat restoration, species conservation, and the role of local communities, aligning efforts to foster a sustainable and resilient natural environment across West Asia.
On September 10, 2024, the CEO of the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority participated in the 10th Regional Conservation Forum, hosted in Riyadh by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA). This quadrennial event, which runs from September 9-11, has gathered representatives from 13 West Asian countries to promote the exchange of knowledge, tackle critical conservation challenges, and design strategic plans for future environmental initiatives.
The IUCN’s Regional Office for West Asia, established in 2004, has played a key role in convening conservation experts, government officials, and non-governmental organizations from across the region. The forum serves as an essential platform for fostering regional collaboration on pressing environmental issues, including biodiversity preservation, sustainable natural resource management, and the mitigation of climate change impacts. By facilitating dialogue and cooperation among West Asian countries, the event aims to promote a united approach to conservation challenges that transcend national borders.
The participation of the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a leader in regional and global conservation efforts. The Authority is responsible for overseeing the management and protection of the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Saudi Arabia, which is home to a wide range of endangered species and unique ecosystems.
During the forum, the Authority emphasized its commitment to enhancing partnerships and driving innovation in conservation. Its strategic focus includes developing programs and initiatives that safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity while fostering sustainable development. By leveraging advanced technologies, local expertise, and international best practices, the Authority aims to create a model for effective conservation in arid environments.
The 10th Regional Conservation Forum provides a valuable opportunity for countries across West Asia to align their efforts, share experiences, and devise joint strategies for preserving the natural heritage of the region. With Saudi Arabia hosting this pivotal event, it further solidifies the Kingdom's commitment to leading efforts aimed at environmental protection and sustainability in line with global conservation goals and its own Vision 2030 initiative.
As the forum continues, participants will explore a wide array of topics, including habitat restoration, the conservation of threatened species, and the role of local communities in environmental stewardship. The outcomes of these discussions will help shape the future of conservation efforts in West Asia and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable natural environment for generations to come.
