Hatching of red-necked ostrich chicks highlights success of Saudi royal reserve’s breeding program

Special Hatching of red-necked ostrich chicks highlights success of Saudi royal reserve’s breeding program
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At the end of 2021, the royal reserve launched a scheme to reintroduce ostriches to the wild, creating a habitat for a male and a female. The ostriches soon adapted to the reserve and laid their first clutch of 12 eggs in the spring of 2024, three of which hatched naturally. (Supplied)
Special Hatching of red-necked ostrich chicks highlights success of Saudi royal reserve’s breeding program
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The royal reserve is dedicated to providing a suitable environment for endangered species to help increase their numbers, restore biodiversity, and provide a safe haven for animals like reem gazelle, Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, and others to flourish in the wild. (Supplied)fffffffr
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Updated 25 May 2024
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Hatching of red-necked ostrich chicks highlights success of Saudi royal reserve’s breeding program

Hatching of red-necked ostrich chicks highlights success of Saudi royal reserve’s breeding program
  • The Imam Turki Royal Nature Reserve launched its ostrich conservation scheme in 2021 to rescue this critically engaged species 
  • Saudi Arabia’s second largest royal reserve is dedicated to providing secure habitats to allow the Kingdom’s wildlife to thrive

RIYADH: In a significant boost for biodiversity in the Kingdom, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority recently announced the hatching of three endangered red-necked ostrich chicks — a species that had been considered extinct in Saudi Arabia.

At the end of 2021, the royal reserve launched a scheme to reintroduce ostriches to the wild, creating a habitat for a male and a female. The ostriches soon adapted to the reserve and laid their first clutch of 12 eggs in the spring of 2024, three of which hatched naturally.

The royal reserve is dedicated to providing a suitable environment for endangered species to help increase their numbers, restore biodiversity, and provide a safe haven for animals like reem gazelle, Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, and others to flourish in the wild.

“The red-necked ostrich, also known as the North African ostrich (Struthio camelus camelus), is currently classified as critically endangered,” Abdulmajeed Aldhaban, executive vice president of operations at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Development Authority, told Arab News.“This subspecies faces significant threats due to habitat loss, hunting, and egg collection, which have led to a dramatic decline in its population over the past 100 years.”

 The red-necked ostrich is not the only bird species the reserve has sought to revitalize through breeding programs, captive breeding techniques, and habitat restoration to bolster its population. The houbara bustard has been another success story.

 




The royal reserve is dedicated to providing a suitable environment for endangered species to help increase their numbers, restore biodiversity, and provide a safe haven for animals like reem gazelle, Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, and others to flourish in the wild. (Supplied)

 

“In March, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority started construction of a state-of-the-art aviculture center on the reserve,” said Aldhaban.

“This was part of the authority’s comprehensive plan to conserve wildlife in general and, specifically, protect the endangered houbara bustard in its natural habitat.”




Despite its arid climate and vast desert landscape, the Kingdom is home to a wealth of distinctive species, occupying its dunes, mountains, valleys and coastlines. (Shutterstock)

He added: “The center comprises 22 facilities, including administrative buildings, breeding facilities, clinics, and laboratories, spanning an area of 4 sq. km. The first phase of breeding is set to commence by the end of 2024.”

Saudi Arabia’s rich biodiversity has long been overlooked by environmentalists. Despite its arid climate and vast desert landscape, the Kingdom is home to a wealth of distinctive species, occupying its dunes, mountains, valleys and coastlines.

Local conservationists believe they have an obligation to protect these terrestrial and marine habitats and maintain the ecological balance for the benefit of the Kingdom’s wildlife and for generations to come.

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Officials have therefore outlined a set of biodiversity conservation goals under various initiatives like Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative designed to work in partnership with civil society groups and the private sector.

One focus is the design of protected areas. 

During an interview with Arab News at the Hima forum in Riyadh last April, Mohammed Qurban, the CEO of the National Center for Wildlife in Saudi Arabia, outlined the Kingdom’s aim to protect 30 percent of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.




The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve, where the red-necked ostriches hatched last month, covers an area of more than 91,500 sq km, making it the second largest royal protected area in the Kingdom, home to 138 species of animal and 179 species of plant. (Supplied)

This goal includes the creation of wildlife sanctuaries and restoration programs to restore natural habitats and protect endangered animal species such as the Arabian oryx, red-necked ostrich, gazelle, and Arabian leopard.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve, where the red-necked ostriches hatched last month, covers an area of more than 91,500 sq. km, making it the second-largest royal protected area in the Kingdom, home to 138 species of animal and 179 species of plant.




Despite its arid climate and vast desert landscape, the Kingdom is home to a wealth of distinctive species, occupying its dunes, mountains, valleys and coastlines. (SPA)

Situated in the country’s northeast, close to the border with Iraq, the reserve is a popular destination for tourists interested in hiking and bird watching.

In 2018, the royal reserve declared three key objectives, including the conservation of biodiversity, the development of the reserve as a destination for ecotourism, and the aim of generating socio-economic benefits for local communities.

The Natural Reserve Development Authority has registered the reserve in the World Database on Protected Areas. It has also earned global recognition after being nominated for the International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List in 2023.
 

 


Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum

Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum
Updated 21 min 42 sec ago
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Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum

Riyadh to focus on urban planning at Egypt forum
  • By participating in the forum, the municipality reinforces its commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships

RIYADH: The municipality of Riyadh will take part in the 12th World Urban Forum, organized by the UN Human Settlements Programme in Cairo, from Nov. 4-8.

It will showcase the Kingdom’s role in sustainable urban development, aligned with Vision 2030 goals, including urban planning, reducing visual pollution, and enhancing environmental, health, and urban sustainability standards.

The municipality will also highlight the Kingdom’s achievements in sustainable urban goals across various sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Focus areas include comprehensive urban planning, sustainable transportation, community engagement, waste management, green spaces, and solutions to environmental challenges.

These initiatives aim to create resilient, inclusive urban communities that make use of local innovations to enhance quality of life and protect the environment.

Additionally, the municipality will emphasize its strategic focus on urban development, infrastructure innovation, and sustainability through AI, data analysis, and project management to build a sustainable urban model that meets the demands of modern cities worldwide.

By participating in the forum, the municipality reinforces its commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships.


Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week

Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week
Updated 47 min 45 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week

Saudi Arabia promotes cultural dialogue as Paris hosts Arab Week
  • Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of Arab culture

RIYADH: Arab Week will open on Monday at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event plays a significant role in advancing Arab and international cultural and civilizational efforts, contributing to the progress of education, culture, and science at both regional and global levels.

This is the first time in over half a century that Arab countries have organized an Arab Week at UNESCO. The event is spearheaded by the Kingdom’s Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, which reinforces the Kingdom’s position regarding cultural dialogue and coexistence.

The event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world through literature and the arts. It also provides opportunities for intercultural dialogue, with all Arab countries showcasing the richness and diversity of Arab culture, promoting intercultural understanding, and contributing to cultural development.

Arab Week at UNESCO features 22 spaces dedicated to Arab countries, each showcasing different aspects of Arab culture. Seven seminars will focus on topics such as the Arabic language, Arabic calligraphy, Arabic literature, AI, education, fine arts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage.

Musical performances, handicrafts, Arab fashion, and Arab cuisine will also be on show.

Visitors will be able to explore a cultural exhibition, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, a photography exhibition of heritage sites in the Arab world, and an exhibition of Arab cultural products.

The committee’s work aims to represent the Kingdom in regional and international organizations concerned with education, culture, communication, and information.

It focuses on preparing and providing support for cooperation with international and non-profit organizations, building communication bridges, and leveraging all capabilities to foster initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue between Arab countries and the rest of the world.

Arab Week has received the support and endorsement of Arab countries, and will highlight their historical diversity and cultural pluralism, as well as their values rooted in a rich cultural and civilizational heritage.


Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
Updated 03 November 2024
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Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum

Riyadh hosts road safety, sustainability forum
  • Minister says 50 percent drop in road deaths highlights Kingdom’s commitment to safety standards

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh on Sunday.

The two-day event, themed “Innovating for Tomorrow,” is organized by the General Authority for Roads together with the International Road Federation, and has attracted over 1,000 specialists from more than 50 countries, including major global companies.

Al-Jasser, who is also the chairman of the General Authority for Roads, said that the number of deaths on the Kingdom's roads has decreased by nearly 50 percent, exceeding the targets set in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy introduced in 2021.

In his speech, the minister also praised the Kingdom’s efforts to elevate road safety standards and enhance sustainability.

Al-Jasser said that the Kingdom ranked fourth among the G20 countries in the Road Quality Index, confirming its leadership in achieving the highest standards of safety and quality on roads.

The conference emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s global standing in the roads sector. Key projects under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy have improved road safety and reduced fatalities, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to safety.

Saudi Arabia has introduced initiatives to preserve road infrastructure, including performance-based contracts for greater transparency, spending efficiency, and service standards, aligning with Vision 2030.

Following the inauguration, a ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned” gathered officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal to discuss policy-driven solutions for road safety, emissions reduction, and sustainable infrastructure.

The conference features over 130 scientific papers and 27 innovative technologies on sustainable transport, including advancements in AI and smart transport systems for traffic management, vehicle safety, and environmental impact reduction.

An exhibition with 20 organizations showcases innovations in AI, smart transport, and sustainable mobility.

The conference offers a platform for global experts to share insights, best practices, and the transformative role of emerging technologies in road safety and transport.


Saudi deputy foreign minister receives ICRC president

Saudi deputy foreign minister receives ICRC president
Updated 1 min 20 sec ago
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Saudi deputy foreign minister receives ICRC president

Saudi deputy foreign minister receives ICRC president

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji received President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Mirjana Spoljaric in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they reviewed various aspects of joint humanitarian work, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Shahin Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.

They discussed bilateral relations and topics of common interest.


UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops
Updated 03 November 2024
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UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

RIYADH: The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently hosted three online workshops.

The workshops were attended by members of the Translating Cultures Lab and researchers with an interest in translating cultures.

The lab unites renowned scholars and early-career Saudi researchers to publish papers on the 2024 theme, “Rethinking Translating Cultures and its Conceptual Framework,” focusing on knowledge transfer and translation in the Global South.

At the workshops researchers presented papers and received feedback from lab members to refine them for publication.

In the first two workshops, six papers were presented, addressing issues in translating cultures, including cultural narratives, religious concepts such as “mahr” in Islam, and humor translation in modern Saudi literature.

Other topics included foreignizing and domesticating Arab culture in translation, translation as knowledge transfer, and translating Plastic Arts into Arabic.

The papers were presented by scholars from King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Mohammed I University Oujda (Morocco), the Catholic University of America (US), and an independent Australian researcher.

The third workshop reviewed papers for an edited volume by the Translating Cultures Lab on the theme of “Rethinking Translating Cultures.”

The UNESCO chair views “translating cultures” as a concept tied to broader debates in the humanities, regarding it as a continuous process involving translation, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge sharing.