Conservation in Saudi Arabia; moving from strategy to practice

Abstract

Conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is relatively young, yet have made considerable gains in conservation through strategic proclamation and reintroductions. Changes in land use, illegal hunting and competition with domestic stock has decimated the native ungulates, meaning that the survival of the native ungulate species is now completely dependent on protected area network. The challenge is to sustain this network to make meaningful conservation impact into the future. We review the status of ungulate conservation in Saudi Arabia and highlight that the conservation strategy is well developed. The major challenge faced in conservation in Saudi Arabia now is to implement what has been sanctioned.

Stakeholder Perspectives Towards National Parks and Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia

“…National Parks (NPs) and Protected Areas (PAs) cover approximately 10% of the country (208,356 km 2 ) in Saudi Arabia, and provide local communities with socio-economic benefits such as, regulated and sustainable use of grazing, hunting, fishing, and other related recreational and tourism opportunities [1,2]. While these natural areas are linked to biodiversity conservation, they are also associated with cultural and spiritual values as well as enhancement of well-being of visitors and locals [2,3].…”

“…The management system of PAs and NPs is a relatively new concept in Saudi Arabia [1]. In 2005, the National Biodiversity Strategy was developed by National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development to conserve natural resources and encourage their sustainable use.…”

“…The goals include enhancement of environmental awareness, generation of income from wildlife resources, and development of nature-based tourism in PAs and NPs. Despite the efforts and regulations to facilitate governmental agencies' work to implement the initiated strategy, the system of NPs and PAs in Saudi Arabia struggles to achieve its purpose [1][2][3][4]6,7]. Barichievy et al [1] indicate that the conservation strategy is well developed; however, the implementation of the established goals is a challenge.…”

“…Despite the efforts and regulations to facilitate governmental agencies' work to implement the initiated strategy, the system of NPs and PAs in Saudi Arabia struggles to achieve its purpose [1][2][3][4]6,7]. Barichievy et al [1] indicate that the conservation strategy is well developed; however, the implementation of the established goals is a challenge. Since the strategy involves multiple stakeholders with conflicting roles and different objectives, its implementation struggles to find a balance between conservation and efficient use of resources [4].…”

“…Overgrazing has a direct impact on environmental deterioration, erosion, and the reduction of vegetation cover. Grazing is rooted in local culture along with logging as numerous local communities value it more than wildlife and natural resources due to lack of tangible benefits derived from conservation [1,8]. In addition, fuelwood is in high demand despite the existence of alternative fuel resources [9].…”