The wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges that require an effective response to preserve biodiversity. In this episode of the podcast “Socrates,” Omar Al-Juraisi hosts Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Qurban, the CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Development, where the discussion addresses important issues related to environmental balance, the importance of reserves, and efforts being made to protect endangered species. The conversation highlights the increasing cases of animal extinction in the kingdom, with over 111 threatened species recorded, including four major species at the top of the list, such as the Arabian Oryx and Nubian ibex.
Dr. Qurban reviews the vital importance of reserves and how to manage them to ensure their sustainability, along with the role of the community in preserving wildlife. The dialogue also covers the challenges of poaching and its negative impact on living organisms, and discusses proposed solutions such as using technology to monitor natural environments and regulate hunting. The conversation also addresses future projects aimed at enhancing biodiversity and emphasizes the importance of awareness and education in raising environmental consciousness among citizens and residents.
This dialogue serves as a window to understand the reality of wildlife in Saudi Arabia and highlights the efforts of the state and society in achieving the goals of Vision 2030, as everyone looks forward to a more balanced and sustainable environment.
Environmental Challenges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia faces multiple environmental challenges, including the extinction of many wildlife species and the degradation of their natural habitats. Among the most prominent challenges is the decline in wildlife populations due to poaching and the destruction of natural habitats. Poaching is considered one of the most significant practices that negatively impact wildlife, leading to the reduction of populations of endangered animals such as ibexes, hyenas, and others. This reality reflects the urgent need to implement awareness programs to protect the environment and enhance sustainability efforts.
Furthermore, natural reserves are under pressure due to human activities, such as overgrazing and the degradation of vegetation cover, leading to a loss of biodiversity. According to studies, the existence of over 111 endangered species in the kingdom is an indicator of the environmental emergency that requires urgent interventions to protect these species. The current situation also shows a pressing need to increase community awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife.
Efforts to Preserve Wildlife
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is working to protect wildlife by establishing specialized centers, such as the National Center for Wildlife Development, which aims to enhance biodiversity and protect endangered species. The center’s work includes monitoring living organisms and rehabilitating natural habitats, in addition to implementing breeding and rearing programs for threatened species.
Among the center’s notable successes is the breeding of ibex populations, where programs have been implemented to increase their numbers in natural reserves. Successful reintroduction of certain species, such as the Arabian Oryx, has occurred after intensive conservation programs. This indicates the success of the efforts made to preserve wildlife and enhance biodiversity in the kingdom.
These efforts also include collaboration with universities and research institutes to follow scientific research related to wildlife, where data is collected and analyzed to identify threatened species and develop effective protection strategies. These programs aim to create a sustainable ecological balance that allows for the preservation of biodiversity and ensures the continuity of wildlife for future generations.
Awareness and Community Involvement in Environmental Protection
Community awareness is considered one of the essential elements in environmental preservation, as efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife and the necessity of protecting natural habitats. Awareness campaigns are an effective means to promote environmental culture among community members, contributing to the formation of positive behaviors towards the environment.
It includes
These campaigns organize workshops and educational events targeting schools and universities, aiming to enhance young people’s understanding of the importance of conserving wildlife and their habitats. The community is also encouraged to actively participate in environmental activities, such as beach clean-ups and tree planting, which fosters a spirit of collaboration and encourages individuals to take responsibility for the environment.
Moreover, collaboration with governmental and non-governmental bodies in organizing awareness programs is essential. Such partnerships can contribute to increased effectiveness and achieve positive outcomes in wildlife protection. Emphasizing the community’s role in preserving the environment will help in achieving sustainable development and ensuring the survival of biodiversity in the kingdom.
Modern Technologies in Wildlife Monitoring
The kingdom is witnessing the use of modern technologies for wildlife monitoring and reserve management. These technologies include the use of drones and smart cameras to monitor living organisms and document their numbers in reserves. These tools assist in accurately and quickly collecting data, which helps in effectively analyzing the environmental situation.
These technologies are used to locate threatened species, monitor their behaviors, and assess the impact of human activities on their natural habitats. They also contribute to enhancing scientific research efforts, as scientists can analyze the collected data to develop effective strategies for wildlife conservation.
The use of technology in wildlife monitoring is considered an important step towards achieving environmental goals, as it enables precise tracking of environmental changes and enhances the ability to make data-driven decisions. Through these innovations, the kingdom can bolster its efforts in conserving wildlife and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
The Red Sea Project and Marine Biodiversity
The Red Sea Project is among the pioneering projects aimed at developing and enhancing eco-tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The area is characterized by its biological diversity, hosting many unique marine organisms such as sea turtles and coral reefs. Efforts emphasize the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem, as sea turtles are an integral part of the Red Sea environment. Among the species found in the region, two main types are highlighted: green turtles and hawksbill turtles. These species are endangered, highlighting the need to protect their nesting sites, such as Rokad Island, which is considered a natural reserve due to its significance as a critical nesting area for turtles.
Efforts to protect these marine creatures include establishing protected areas and implementing measures to safeguard nesting sites. Through cooperation with relevant authorities, these areas have been fenced to ensure their safety. Additionally, some harmful practices that negatively impact these organisms, such as disturbing them or driving on beaches, have been addressed, which poses risks to turtles. A noticeable decline in turtle mortality rates has been recorded in protected areas, indicating the success of these efforts.
Based on scientific studies, a tracking system for sea turtles has been implemented, helping to understand their behaviors and migrations. For example, migrations of some species to Iran for nesting have been documented, reflecting the importance of these species in the ecosystem. Now, the center aims to increase turtle populations through breeding programs intended to enhance biodiversity in the Red Sea.
Wildlife Trade and Regulatory Frameworks
Regulating wildlife trade is one of the vital issues in wildlife conservation. The center works on issuing commercial licenses for the wildlife trade while taking into account the necessity of protecting threatened species. An objective has been set to increase the number of licenses issued from 2,000 licenses in 2018 to 20,000 licenses by 2025. This goal is part of a broader vision to improve wildlife management and develop more effective protective systems.
It includes
The new policies focus on endangered species, which require special care. In this context, the global CITES system has been implemented, which is an international system aimed at regulating trade in wild flora and fauna, for specific species of organisms. The importance of veterinary inspection of allowed traded organisms is emphasized, to ensure that no diseases are introduced that could harm the biodiversity in the kingdom. However, challenges remain, especially concerning illegal trade, which requires continuous efforts from concerned authorities to combat this phenomenon.
Through cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, efforts are being made to improve the laws and regulations supporting the protection of wildlife. Modern technologies are being used to monitor species and their trade, contributing to the provision of an accurate database that aids in decision-making regarding environmental protection.
Environmental Awareness and Education
Environmental awareness and education are key elements in achieving the center’s goals in wildlife conservation. The focus is on the importance of involving the community in awareness programs, through awareness campaigns targeting all segments of society. The aim is to change misconceptions about wildlife and enhance a culture of conservation.
Several educational projects and events have been launched, including plays and interactive activities targeting children. Introducing wildlife concepts into school curricula represents an important step towards building a generation aware of the importance of the environment. Through collaboration with schools, educational programs are being developed to enhance knowledge about biodiversity and its conservation.
One of the notable awareness projects was the short film shown in Boulevard, highlighting the importance of conserving wildlife. The response was positive, as the event recorded a large turnout from the public. This indicates the success of the efforts made to create greater awareness about environmental issues.
Future Efforts in Wildlife Conservation
The kingdom is striving to achieve strategic goals in wildlife conservation. Future plans include expanding natural reserves and increasing their numbers, as well as developing collaborative programs with international academic institutions. It is hoped that these plans will contribute to enhancing biodiversity and restoring endangered species.
Several research projects have already begun in cooperation with universities, where students and researchers contribute to field studies aimed at better understanding existing ecosystems. These studies will play a crucial role in guiding future policies related to wildlife conservation.
Moreover, the importance of using modern technologies, such as sensors and drones, in monitoring and evaluating marine and terrestrial environments is being recognized. This will provide valuable data that helps in better managing natural resources and developing effective strategies for wildlife conservation.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
Leave a Reply