Restoring ecological balance through conservation of native species

Restoring ecological balance through conservation of native species

Restoring ecological balance through conservation of native species
Over 220 endangered animal species have been reintroduced to the wild in Saudi royal reserves over the past three years. (SPA)
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As we endeavor to rebalance the ecological scales, we find there are no quick fixes for restoring our planet’s health. It cannot be achieved in a day, a month or even a year. It requires the relentless dedication of the brightest of minds and the most passionate of hearts, a tireless spirit, and a commitment to long-term goals.

Regeneration is a slow process and the time to act is now. This principle of immediate action to safeguard and rejuvenate flora and fauna underpins the ecological regeneration initiatives underway in AlUla, and across Saudi Arabia more broadly. In tandem with its evolution as a luxury boutique heritage destination, AlUla has consistently focused on land restoration to reclaim the ecological balance it once had, while ensuring benefits for the local community.

AlUla has set aside 12,500 square kilometers to create six nature reserves: Sharaan, Wadi Nakhlah, Gharameel, Harrat Uwayrid, Harrat AlZabin and Harrat Khaybar. This allocation represents more than 50 percent of the region’s total area. The identification of more than 500 species of flora in AlUla underscores its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes.

The Kingdom is also actively reintroducing native animal species to their natural habitats, enhancing biodiversity and contributing significantly to the revitalization of AlUla’s ecological cycle. Since 2019, these efforts have been supported by scientific insights and strategic refinements. AlUla monitors animal populations and collects data, adhering to international standards and collaborating with organizations such as Panthera and the International Union for Conservation of Nature to ensure their conservation initiatives are effective and sustainable.

In 2023, the Royal Commission for AlUla achieved a significant milestone with its largest-ever release of about 1,000 animals across three nature reserves. This initiative focused on reintroducing four native herbivore species: Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian oryx and Nubian ibex.

By taking decisive action now, AlUla is not just planning for its future as a global destination but is actively securing a brighter, more sustainable future for the planet.

Jose Ferreira

This strategic reintroduction of large herbivores represents a critical step in reconstruction of the ecosystem, setting the stage for the eventual reintroduction of the critically endangered Arabian leopard.

AlUla operates a state-of-the-art breeding center that has enjoyed remarkable success. In 2023, the center celebrated the birth of seven leopard cubs and has effectively doubled the captive-breeding population from 14 to 27 over the past two years. This growth is a hopeful sign for the survival of this majestic species.

This ongoing effort is part of a broader vision for AlUla that aims for holistic and sustainable regeneration. It is an approach that integrates the protection and revival of ancient heritage sites with the development of a vibrant natural habitat. It also ensures that indigenous plants and animals will coexist with new infrastructure such as hotels, homes, schools and community centers.

The exemplary integration of heritage and nature is showcased through AlUla’s Hegra Wildlife and Nature Tour. This safari-style experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife near Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, illustrating the practical and inspirational reasons behind AlUla’s conservation efforts.

These endeavors are not only about preserving the past but also about shaping a sustainable future, contributing significantly to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By taking decisive action now, AlUla is not only planning for its future as a global destination, it is actively securing a brighter, more sustainable future for the planet and all its inhabitants.

Jose Ferreira is the conservation breeding and reintroduction director at the Royal Commission for AlUla, with a principal focus on the Arabian leopard.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe sign an MoU to enhance co
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe sign an MoU to enhance co
Updated 4 min 33 sec ago
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Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe sign an MoU to enhance co
  • Ministers sign MoU to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries

 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe on Friday, Nov. 22. The two discussed various ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Badr met with Abe as part of his official visit to Japan to attend the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” show in Tokyo, which took place on Thursday.

The Saudi minister noted that the Kingdom’s upcoming participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka highlights the strong relations between the two countries, and wished Japan success in hosting the event.

In their meeting, the ministers addressed the importance of “strengthening cultural relations between the Kingdom and Japan,” the SPA reported, and of “enhancing existing cooperation between the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and the Japanese to train Saudi students in the art of creating manga comics.”

Prince Badr and his Japanese counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at “enhancing cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries through the exchange of knowledge in systems and regulations related to cultural affairs, in the field of animation, and projects related to preserving heritage of all kinds, in addition to digital preservation technologies for heritage, and developing artistic residency programs between the two countries.”

The MoU is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to enhance international cultural exchange, one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves

Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves
Updated 29 min 39 sec ago
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Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves

Pakistani stocks break psychological 99,000 barrier on optimism over rates, reserves
  • An analyst attributes the intraday rally to broad-based gains across most economic sectors
  • The stock market has remained bullish since the government slashed policy rate in November

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday breached a major psychological barrier, surging past 99,000 points during intra-day trading before settling at 97,798.23, as analysts attributed the rally to investor optimism driven by falling lending rates and higher foreign exchange reserves.
The benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 2,057.40 points by 11:10 am, reaching 99,385.79 points from the previous close. However, the index closed at 97,798.23, marking an increase of 469.84 points or 0.48 percent.
Analyst Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation said bank levies on large deposits, surging global oil prices, and rupee stability were fueling investor optimism.
“Stocks remained bullish, led by scrips across the board, as investors weighed falling lending rates and the imposition of bank levies on large deposits following a drop in government bond yields,” he told Arab News. “Surging global crude oil prices, rupee stability, and higher forex reserves played a catalytic role in the record surge at the PSX.”
Last month, Pakistan’s external current account recorded a surplus of $349 million, marking the third consecutive month of surplus and the highest in this period. The current account reflects a nation’s transactions with the world, encompassing net trade in goods and services, net earnings on cross-border investments and net transfer payments.
A surplus indicates that a country is exporting more than it is importing, thereby strengthening its foreign exchange reserves.
A bullish trend has been observed in the stock market since Pakistan’s central bank cut its key policy rate by 250 basis points, bringing it to 15 percent earlier this month. Economic indicators have also steadily improved since securing a 37-month, $7 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in September.
In the past, the country faced a prolonged economic crisis that drained its foreign exchange reserves and saw its currency weaken amid double-digit inflation. Last year, Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default by clinching a last-minute $3 billion IMF bailout deal.


26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone
Updated 32 min 4 sec ago
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26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone
  • The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species
  • NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has successfully reintroduced 26 endangered animals to their natural habitat in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Souda region.
Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Souda Development Company CEO Saleh Al-Arini and National Center for Wildlife Development General Supervisor of Planning and Empowerment Abdulmohsen Al-Shanif.
The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species while enhancing biodiversity and ensuring ecosystems thrive throughout the Kingdom. The project also aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal while supporting environmental sustainability.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected following comprehensive biodiversity studies to assess both current conditions and potential future impacts.
“This project not only enhances our ecosystems but also strengthens ecotourism opportunities and creates new economic channels for the Kingdom,” he said, adding NCW’s breeding centers ranked among the world’s leading facilities for endangered species propagation. The centers maintain the highest international standards while conducting vital research on species’ living conditions.
The organization employs cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife populations, collect data and assess potential risks to biodiversity in protected areas.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.


Slot warns of Southampton slip-up ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week

Slot warns of Southampton slip-up ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week
Updated 39 min 13 sec ago
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Slot warns of Southampton slip-up ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week

Slot warns of Southampton slip-up ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week
  • Slot has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 of his first 17 games in all competitions
  • That has propelled Liverpool into a five-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League and to the summit of the new-format Champions League

LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot said he cannot be distracted by Liverpool’s upcoming showdowns with Real Madrid and Manchester City as the injury-hit Premier League leaders visit Southampton on Sunday.
Slot has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 of his first 17 games in all competitions.
That has propelled Liverpool into a five-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League and to the summit of the new-format Champions League.
“It would be a bit strange if I tell you I’m not enjoying being in the position we are in now, but we also understand we’re only 11 (league) games in now, so that’s a lot of games to be played,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
A trip to bottom-of-the-table Southampton appears the ideal appetiser to two huge clashes as Madrid visit Anfield on Wednesday before a showdown with City on December 1.
But Slot is wary of the threat posed by the Saints, who have often dominated possession without reward on their return to the top-flight.
“We indeed have incredible fixtures coming up, starting with Southampton,” added Slot.
“It’s not going to be easy even if everyone feels it is (because they are) bottom of the league. (Southampton) do not play at all like this and they made it difficult for teams that are in the top three of four.
“Their playing style is very interesting, it is a joy to watch their games.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be back in time to face Madrid, but is unlikely to return from a hamstring injury this weekend, while Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota remain out.
Liverpool’s title rivals received a major boost this week as Pep Guardiola extended his contract as Manchester City boss until 2027.
Slot is a confessed admirer of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach, who has led City to six Premier League titles in the past seven seasons.
“That’s good news for City first of all, and also good news for the league because I think everyone wants to have the best managers possible and the best players over here,” said Slot.
“On the other hand City have so many quality players that if he made the choice to leave the club I would never expect them to be bottom of the league next season.”


Leverkusen’s Boniface sidelined with leg injury

Leverkusen’s Boniface sidelined with leg injury
Updated 38 min 56 sec ago
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Leverkusen’s Boniface sidelined with leg injury

Leverkusen’s Boniface sidelined with leg injury
  • “He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim
  • Nigerian media reported Boniface could miss the remainder of 2024 but Alonso was optimistic the striker would be back soon

BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is set to miss “a few games” after returning from international duty with a leg injury, coach Xabi Alonso said Friday.
“He’s got a small injury in his thigh muscle, it’s a shame,” Alonso told reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Heidenheim.
Nigerian media reported Boniface could miss the remainder of 2024 but Alonso was optimistic the striker would be back soon.
“He won’t be there tomorrow or against Salzburg (Champions League).
“We hope he will play again this year. We have to wait and see, but it’s not going to be six or eight weeks.”
Forward Patrik Schick, who has started just twice in the league this season, is expected to step up in the Nigerian’s absence.
“He is always ready — we don’t just need him now, but always.”
The defending champions, who did not lose a game in Germany last year on the way to an unbeaten league and cup double, have stuttered this season.
Leverkusen are currently in fourth, nine points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. Alonso’s men have dropped 13 points so far this season, one more than the 12 they leaked in the entirety of the last campaign.
Boniface is Leverkusen’s highest scorer in the league, with six goals and an assist in 10 games.