The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority observed Arab Environment Day on October 14 by enhancing environmental awareness and addressing issues and challenges threatening the environment. The authority is engaged in various environmental initiatives focused on preserving its resources and restoring degraded habitats. It has rehabilitated over 700,000 hectares of habitats by planting more than 2.4 million trees and shrubs, dispersing over 4 tons of local seeds, reintroducing some 1,245 wild species, and documenting more than 120 births within the reserve. The authority reiterates its dedication to environmental development, increasing community awareness, and actively involving local communities. The reserve recently joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List, the first in Saudi Arabia. It passed an evaluation by IUCN experts who assessed the authority's environmental achievements, community involvement, and preservation efforts. Additionally, five b ird sites within the reserve were recognized in accordance with global standards and the reserve was accredited as the major biodiversity site in Saudi Arabia based on international criteria. Source: Saudi Press Agency
