Riyadh, April 11, 2024, Held under the patronage of Engineer AbdulRahman Al-Fadli, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), this forum organized by the NCW will take place in Riyadh from April 21 to 24, gathering participants from both local and international spheres.
The forum's agenda will encompass a wide range of discussions and presentations by esteemed experts in the field of protected areas, drawing attendees from protected areas, educational institutions, major projects, companies, and the non-profit sector. This diverse representation reflects a growing commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, emphasized that the "HIMA" forum is a testament to Saudi Arabia's prominent role in global environmental initiatives. It also aligns closely with the NCW's mission as the national authority for the wildlife sector. The initiative is part of a strategic plan aimed at strengthening the national system for protected areas, providing a clear roadmap for the Kingdom's endeavors to safeguard crucial natural sites for biodiversity.
Dr. Qurban highlighted Saudi Arabia's ambitious "30x30" initiative, which seeks to protect 30% of the country's land and sea area by 2030. This initiative, introduced during the Green Saudi Initiative, underscores the Kingdom's commitment to global biodiversity objectives and environmental sustainability. The initiative includes specific targets for land and marine area protection by 2025 and 2030, demonstrating a proactive stance toward conservation efforts.
The forum is positioned as a platform for global leaders in protected area management to exchange insights, share best practices, and foster collaboration in line with international standards. Since its establishment in 2019, the National Center for Wildlife has been actively implementing strategic plans to tackle challenges facing wildlife and marine ecosystems. With a vision for thriving and sustainable wildlife and biodiversity, the NCW is dedicated to preserving environmental systems and enhancing community engagement to achieve long-term environmental sustainability while maximizing societal and economic benefits.
