Saudi Arabia Announces Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘HIMA’

The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)
The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Announces Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘HIMA’

The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)
The site at Hima, the sixth to be enlisted in Saudi Arabia, is home to one of the largest rock art complexes in the world and ancient wells. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia announces the Inaugural Protected Areas Forum ‘‘HIMA’’, a groundbreaking event in the region dedicated to the conservation and preservation of natural habitats and wildlife, SPA reported.

Under the patronage of Engineer AbdulRahman Al-Fadli, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), this forum organized by the National Center for Wildlife will be held in Riyadh from April 21-24, marking a significant milestone with both local and international participation.
The forum will feature a comprehensive agenda filled with panel discussions and presentations by renowned experts in the field of protected areas from around the globe.

Attendees will include representatives from protected areas, educational institutions, major projects, companies, and the non-profit sector, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, emphasized that the organization of the "HIMA" forum stems from the Kingdom's leading position in global environmental initiatives and closely aligns with NCW's mandate as the
national authority for the wildlife sector. This initiative is part of a strategic plan to enhance the national system for protected areas, setting a clear direction for the Kingdom's efforts to safeguard vital natural sites for biodiversity.
Dr. Qurban highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious 30×30 initiative, aimed at protecting 30% of Saudi Arabia's land and sea area by 2030. This initiative, announced during the Green Saudi Initiative, underscores the Kingdom's dedication to
global biodiversity goals and environmental sustainability. The roadmap includes specific targets for the protection of land and marine areas by 2025 and 2030, demonstrating a proactive approach towards conservation.
The forum serves as a platform for global leaders in protected area management to exchange knowledge and best practices, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with international standards.
Since its establishment in 2019, the National Center for Wildlife has been dedicated to implementing strategic plans to address the challenges facing wildlife and marine ecosystems. With a vision for flourishing and sustainable wildlife
and biodiversity, the NCW is committed to preserving environmental systems and enhancing community engagement to achieve long-term environmental sustainability and maximize societal and economic benefits.



Saudi Capital Guest of Honor as Riyadh Pavilion Opens at Buenos Aires Book Fair

Saudi Capital Guest of Honor as Riyadh Pavilion Opens at Buenos Aires Book Fair
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Saudi Capital Guest of Honor as Riyadh Pavilion Opens at Buenos Aires Book Fair

Saudi Capital Guest of Honor as Riyadh Pavilion Opens at Buenos Aires Book Fair

The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission officially launched the Riyadh pavilion at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair in Argentina.

The event, running from April 22 to May 12, features the Saudi capital as the guest of honor.
The commission leads Riyadh's participation in the fair, with a Saudi delegation that reflects the vibrant cultural and literary scene in Saudi Arabia with representatives from the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.
The King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) are also represented, alongside the King Abdulaziz Public Library and the King Fahad National Library. Together, they aim to create a window for the fair's audience to experience Saudi culture, attracting visitors from Argentina and around the world, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The Riyadh pavilion enhances the Saudi cultural presence in Latin America, introducing the capital as a model of civilization that reflects the transformative Saudi Vision 2030, SPA said.

It features a diverse array of literary and cultural content, including translations into Spanish to help build bridges of cultural understanding, it added.
Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission chief executive Abdullatif Alwasel, Buenos Aires Chief of Government Jorge Macri, Buenos Aires' Minister of Culture Gabriela Ricardes, and Argentina's Fundación El Libro (the Book Foundation) president, Christian Rainone, witnessed the launch of the Riyadh pavilion.