Jeddah:The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority actively participated in an environmental sustainability forum organized by the University of Jeddah. The event featured three panel discussions where the authority highlighted its efforts in ecosystem protection, vegetation cover development, and sustainable ecotourism promotion. The authority also contributed an informational pavilion to the forum's exhibition.
According to Saudi Press Agency, during a session focusing on the role of royal and natural reserves in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, Dr. Talal Al-Harigi, CEO of the authority, emphasized the growing global, economic, and social importance of environmental concerns. He noted the significant impact of royal reserves and environmental projects on advancing Saudi Arabia's environmental efforts over the past five years.
Dr. Al-Harigi explained that the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed and King Khalid royal reserves play a crucial role in achieving the vision's environmental goals. These include expanding protected areas, safeguarding natural habitats, and enhancing wildlife and vegetation cover.
In another session on ecotourism and collaboration with reserves and related entities, Eng. Abdulhameed Felemban, Director of the authority's Ecotourism Department, discussed the fundamental aspects of ecotourism. He outlined its alignment with the vision's objectives, such as increasing protected areas to encompass 30% of Saudi Arabia's total land area.
Felemban stressed that ecotourism relies on environmental management plans to protect nature, assess site carrying capacities, and foster local community development. This approach provides promising economic and social opportunities while enhancing visitors' understanding of the environmental significance of natural sites.