Riyadh: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is solidifying its leadership in environmental protection and sustainable development through its participation in the first-ever regional Protected Areas Forum, Hima, held in Riyadh from April 21 to 24.
The forum, hosted by the National Center for Wildlife, serves as a platform for local and international experts to discuss strategies for conserving biodiversity, promoting environmental balance, and expanding protected areas – all in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Among the prominent participants in the forum and the accompanying exhibition are the Kingdom’s royal reserves, each showcasing contributions to environmental stewardship.
At the forum, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority highlighted its vital role in environmental preservation and community engagement. Its initiatives align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s target of protecting 30% of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by 2030.
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development A
uthority participated in a dialogue session focusing on promoting justice in protected areas and showcased its expertise in biodiversity protection, revegetation efforts, and fostering ecotourism opportunities in the reserve.
Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority engaged visitors through an interactive pavilion at the exhibition, where it highlighted its utilization of modern technologies for field operations and its commitment to exchanging knowledge with other entities.
The royal reserves participation in the forum is the result of their commitment to the comprehensive strategic goals of royal reserves for 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative’s vision. Their projects are carried out according to the best international practices in environmental protection and community outreach, contributing to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom.
The Hima forum marks a significant milestone for the region, being the first platform dedicated to discussions concerning protected areas.
This
timely event is in line with the outcome of the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, held in Montreal, which led to the international agreement to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030 (30×30).
Saudi Arabia had already pledged its commitment to this goal in 2021, further solidifying its leading role in environmental conservation.
Source: Saudi Press Agency