A royal decree has been issued to construct the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve, which would encompass three administrative regions of Asir, Jazan, and Makkah and extend to the Kingdom's Red Sea territorial seas. The reserve will be overseen by the Council of Royal Reserves, which will be led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve will be the third-largest in the Kingdom and the greatest in terms of plant diversity. It has some of the most diversified natural and topographical aspects, making it both distinctive and attractive. The reserve encompasses the sea, coasts, peaks, plains, deserts, and valleys, as well as abundant animal, fish, and plant resources. It is culturally differentiated by its arts and architecture, and it demonstrates its authenticity via popular folklore that represents each region's cultural character.
The Crown Prince stated on the occasion of the establishment of the new reserve that Saudi Arabia is dedicated to develop its natural resources and improve the quality of life inside Saudi territory. He stated that the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve is simply one of numerous royal reserves established and sponsored throughout the Kingdom.
The biological richness of the reserve, according to the Crown Prince, will benefit all living forms inside it, boosting human health, ensuring clean air, mitigating the effects of climate change, and strengthening resilience to natural illnesses. The reserve was formed as part of the Kingdom's attempts to protect the natural riches of its vast territory while also having a beneficial impact by adhering to best international practises. Its mission is to guarantee the environmental sustainability for present and future generations by enhancing natural surroundings, plants, and wildlife, and fostering their growth and development.
Furthermore, eco-tourism is promoted, while hunting and overgrazing are discouraged, logging is restricted, and plant cover is conserved and expanded. The movement within the reserves is planned in such a way that it does not affect the settlements, abandoned regions, or people' property. The Saudi government is devoted to allowing its people and residents to enjoy this lovely nation. According to the appropriate legislation and directives, the land is national public property.
The eighth Saudi royal reserve will be the outcome of the Saudi leadership's dedication to maintaining environmental and biological variety, developing sustainable ecosystems, increasing plant productivity, and safeguarding endangered species. The reserve will contribute to the goal of protecting and enhancing the natural environment in the Kingdom, as stated in the Saudi Vision 2030, by adopting a comprehensive vision to preserve valuable ecosystems and environmental and natural components, reintroduce wildlife in each region, ensure water balance and biodiversity, combat desertification, and sustain wildlife.
The reserve will raise the percentage of royal reserves in the Kingdom from 13.5 percent to 14.9 percent, helping to meet the Saudi Green Initiative target of protecting 30% of land and marine regions by 2030. Natural habitats and biodiversity will be preserved and restored. It will also enhance the heritage and history of the reserve's areas; it contains over 100 heritage villages and is certain to contribute to sustainable national economic development, engage and support local communities through job opportunities, promote volunteer work, and provide exceptional eco-tourism experiences.
Together with other reserves such as the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, the Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Salman Royal Reserve, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, and King Khalid Royal Reserve, the new reserve brings the total area of the royal reserves to approximately 300,000 square kilometres.
