SDG15: LIFE ON LAND

Introduction

Vision 2030 is protecting and enhancing the Kingdom’s natural environment by taking a holistic view of precious ecosystems. It is also fostering sustainable agriculture practices across the Kingdom that will help to provide citizens and residents with safe, high-quality local food, whilst maintaining water balance and supporting the restoration of biodiversity. Sustainable approaches are helping prevent soil erosion and tackle desertification by protecting native flora that is used by wildlife for food and shelter.

Saudi Arabia is home to many special habitats and nature reserves. 15 sanctuaries have already been created to protect critically endangered species and promote biodiversity managed by the National Center for Wildlife. The safeguarding of unique wildlife and habitats under Vision 2030 ensures that future generations enjoy the rich natural diversity of the nation.

The Kingdom has given great attention and importance to the wildlife initiatives and projects related to the environment by issuing regulations that preserve protected areas of wildlife and plant life aimed at controlling the trade and hunting of endangered wild animals and birds used for production purposes.

Protected Area System

The Kingdom has used the necessary biological and social studies and surveys to prepare the Protected Area System with the proficiency of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Experts from the Union and the Commission prepared the following document, “A National System for Preserving Wildlife and Sustainable Rural Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, on the basis of which the announced network of regions was established and protected in the Kingdom thus far. The recently updated system, in accordance with environmental developments, includes a proposal dedicated to protecting 75 areas including, 62 land areas and 13 coastal and marine areas.

Furthermore, Trade, agriculture, grazing and industry are amongst the main occupations of the people of Qassim region, who live in more than four hundred cities, villages and settlements. Trade is mainly agricultural products such as grains, dates, vegetables and so on, due to the availability of surface and ground water, and livestock such as camels, cows and sheep, in addition to clothing and other luxuries. Qassim climate is the climate of Central Arabia; it is cold in winter, rainy and hot in summer.

Wadi Al Rama (Al-Rumah) is considered as the most prominent natural phenomenon in Qassim region. It crosses the whole region from the west to the east. It is the longest valley in the Arabian Peninsula; the current length is 600 km, from its source near Medina to its estuary in Al-Thuwairat sands east of Qassim. Dozens of valleys are connected to Wadi Al Rama (Al-Rumah) in the north and the south.

Qassim University ‘s Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine invent BCARC, the Center for Promising Research in Biocontrol and Agricultural Information at Qassim University was established with the support and funding of the Ministry of Higher Education on 24 Rabi' al-Awwal 1432 AH corresponding to 27 February 2011 AD for a period of three years. The establishment of this center comes in response to the need to preserve natural resources and protect them from depletion and pollution and to promote sustainable development that meets the needs of human beings in the present and future.

The Center seeks to provide a stimulating environment for the completion of qualitative and innovative studies and to enhance the scientific and technical skills of researchers and workers in the fields of biocontrol and pollution of the agricultural environment, and to establish a database based on studies and research in these two fields. This precious requirement is achieved through the formation of qualified research groups capable of scientific and research cooperation and then access to scientific and practical solutions to the problems and obstacles faced by the agricultural environment and to innovative techniques that preserve the integrity of the environment and contribute to the promotion of sustainable development.