Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Reserve Development Authority Announces Launch of Integrated Development Management Plan

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The Board of Directors of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Reserve Development Authority, under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, ​​Crown Prince, announced the launch of the Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP).

The plan is a comprehensive roadmap in line with global standards, covering the environmental, economic, social, tourism and cultural aspects of the 24,500 square kilometre reserve, which consists of 15 distinct ecosystems, from mountain ridges to coral reefs in the north-west of the Kingdom.

The plan enables the effective and efficient management of the Reserve. It establishes key guidelines for the restoration and protection of wildlife in line with the latest global standards, including guiding species reintroduction plans using modern technologies and establishing a framework for the development and enhancement of the ecotourism ecosystem. This includes the development of Red Sea Global’s AMAALA tourism, which is located in the Reserve. The Reserve is also a four-site UNESCO World Heritage Site for the Kingdom and aims to become the world’s most famous heritage tourism destination for environmental conservation, while achieving the necessary balance with the needs of local communities.

The Integrated Development Management Plan follows intensive research to determine the historical and current environmental status of the Reserve and the steps needed to restore the ecosystems, flora and fauna to their condition a century ago. The Reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems, from mountain ridges to vital wadis to Red Sea coral reefs, creating an exceptional level of biodiversity. Twenty-three historical species have been selected for reintroduction, of which 16 are extinct within the Reserve, four are critically endangered and three are vulnerable according to the IUCN lists, including the iconic Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard and cheetah. An extensive habitat restoration project supports this wildlife reintroduction programme, which aims to protect and conserve over 400 native plant species of the Reserve. The Reserve aims to become a tourist destination that offers visitors a variety of land and sea experiences while ensuring the protection of its ecosystems and biodiversity.

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The Kingdom is committed to working with the international community to address global environmental challenges. Key actions such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, continuing to build the Kingdom’s renewable energy infrastructure, increasing afforestation and improving biodiversity, including reintroduction of wildlife and species, are underway. The launch of the IDMP contributes to the Kingdom’s leadership in wildlife reintroduction and conservation, as well as to the Royal Reserves Council’s strategic goals, which focus on wildlife conservation, afforestation, increasing eco-tourism and providing employment opportunities. The Royal Reserves’ adopted goals support the Kingdom’s efforts in sustainable development and environmental protection, contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative’s goal of protecting 30% of the Kingdom’s land and sea areas by 2030.

Andrew Zaloumis, Director General of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, internationally recognised for its pioneering work in creating reserves with global conservation value and regional economic impact, said:

“The building blocks are now in place to deliver on the promise of the IDMP by 2030 – a globally significant conservation reserve rooted in community.”

We have reintroduced animal species, discovered several species new to science, and trained and deployed a successful ranger team of 150 local men and women who play a critical role in our mission.”

“Thanks to the passion of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and the government’s investment and commitment, we are pioneering new techniques and technologies that complement proven and tested management and conservation practices.”

“We look forward to sharing the results of our work with the broader scientific and conservation community.”

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority includes local and international experts who conduct research and development work, strengthening international and local partnerships, and promoting a collaborative framework to facilitate knowledge exchange and best environmental practices. Their research efforts have contributed to the identification of new species of animals and plants in the Reserve’s diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Given the diversity of the Reserve’s ecosystems and its strategic location connecting the major NEOM, AMAALA, Red Sea Global and AlUla projects, as well as partnerships with many specialized local and global entities, it is planned that by 2025, animals will be able to move freely along a 70,000 km² environmental corridor, contributing to wider environmental restoration efforts in the region, as well as creating rich experiences for ecotourism and achieving the necessary balance with the needs of local communities, as well as creating some 5,400 jobs.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree and overseen by the Council of Royal Reserves under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The Reserves include Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Khalid Royal Reserve, and Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve.

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