Saudi Arabia has issued a high order to establish ‘Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve’, spanning three administrative regions: Asir, Jazan and Makkah, and extending to the kingdom’s territorial waters in the Red Sea.
The reserve will be the eighth Saudi Royal Reserve and the result of the leadership’s commitment to preserving environmental and biological diversity, achieving sustainable ecosystems, improving plant productivity, and protecting endangered species, said a Saudi Press Agency report.
The reserve will be under the supervision of the Council of Royal Reserves, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The 30,152.7-sq-km reserve includes sea, coastlines, peaks, plains, deserts and valleys, as well as rich animal, fish, and plant resources. It is culturally distinguished by its arts and architecture, and showcases its authenticity through popular folklore that embodies the cultural identity of each region.
The reserve will be the third-largest in the kingdom, and one of the most diverse in terms of ecological and geographical features, which are unique and enchanting.
It will preserve and restore natural ecosystems and biodiversity. It will also enhance the heritage and the history of the areas within the reserve. It contains over 100 heritage villages.
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve is just one of several royal reserves that have been developed and supported in the Kingdom.
“These reserves are important contributors to national development, providing solutions to numerous environmental challenges experienced worldwide. They help achieve environmental balance, preserve natural sites and the wealth of the Kingdom’s lands, support scientific research in various fields, strengthen the tourism and entertainment sectors, protect and sustain natural resources, and achieve environmental balance,” HRH the Crown Prince added.
