Royal Commission for AlUla Signs Partnership with Space for Giants Organization

The partnership aims to protect biodiversity in AlUla, reduce carbon emissions, and increase carbon storage capabilities in AlUla's natural reserves. (SPA)
The partnership aims to protect biodiversity in AlUla, reduce carbon emissions, and increase carbon storage capabilities in AlUla's natural reserves. (SPA)
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Royal Commission for AlUla Signs Partnership with Space for Giants Organization

The partnership aims to protect biodiversity in AlUla, reduce carbon emissions, and increase carbon storage capabilities in AlUla's natural reserves. (SPA)
The partnership aims to protect biodiversity in AlUla, reduce carbon emissions, and increase carbon storage capabilities in AlUla's natural reserves. (SPA)

The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate (RCU) has partnered with Space for Giants, an organization specializing in environmental conservation.

The partnership aims to protect biodiversity in AlUla, reduce carbon emissions, and increase carbon storage capabilities in AlUla's natural reserves.

Over the next three years, the two parties will work together to design and implement joint activities focused on managing, protecting, and monitoring biodiversity and natural environments.

These efforts will align with international standards and support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030.



Thai Police Rescue 2 Baby Orangutans, Arrest Trafficking Suspect

A handout photo made available by the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau shows a baby orangutan inside a basket after being rescued from smuggling in Bangkok, Thailand, 14 May 2025 (issued 15 May 2025). EPA/ROYAL THAI POLICE CENTRAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU / HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau shows a baby orangutan inside a basket after being rescued from smuggling in Bangkok, Thailand, 14 May 2025 (issued 15 May 2025). EPA/ROYAL THAI POLICE CENTRAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU / HANDOUT
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Thai Police Rescue 2 Baby Orangutans, Arrest Trafficking Suspect

A handout photo made available by the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau shows a baby orangutan inside a basket after being rescued from smuggling in Bangkok, Thailand, 14 May 2025 (issued 15 May 2025). EPA/ROYAL THAI POLICE CENTRAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU / HANDOUT
A handout photo made available by the Royal Thai Police Central Investigation Bureau shows a baby orangutan inside a basket after being rescued from smuggling in Bangkok, Thailand, 14 May 2025 (issued 15 May 2025). EPA/ROYAL THAI POLICE CENTRAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU / HANDOUT

Two baby orangutans have been rescued from being sold in Thailand's capital Bangkok and a suspected trafficker arrested, police said.

The orangutans were seized Wednesday night and the alleged courier for the seller was arrested at a gas station, police said. The suspect was charged with illegal possession of protected wildlife and faces up to four years in prison if convicted, The Associated Press reported.

Police said orangutans generally sell for 300,000 baht ($9,000) each.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists orangutans as critically endangered, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) prohibits cross-border trade in the animals.

Orangutans are found only in the forests of Sumatra and Borneo, but their habitat is shrinking due to the growth of agricultural land, making them more vulnerable to poaching. Thailand over the past two decades has repatriated dozens of orangutans to Indonesia.

US Immigration and Customs’ Enforcement and Interpol, the international police organization, estimate the annual value of the illicit wildlife trade at $10 billion to $20 billion.

Police handed over the two orangutans to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for care and safekeeping.