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Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, a Haven of Environmental Diversity

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the Kingdom's second-largest protected area. (SPA)
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the Kingdom's second-largest protected area. (SPA)
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Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, a Haven of Environmental Diversity

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the Kingdom's second-largest protected area. (SPA)
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the Kingdom's second-largest protected area. (SPA)

Stretching across 91,500 square kilometers south of Rafha Governorate in the Northern Borders Region, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve is the Kingdom's second-largest protected area.
This expansive reserve boasts a variety of landscapes, including rolling grasslands, shrublands, and plains known as the "savannah." This natural landscape creates picturesque scenery and provides a habitat for diverse flora and wildlife, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
It boasts stunning natural beauty and unique biodiversity, including species such as Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and Arabian ostriches.
The reserve is a haven for plant life, boasting over 180 species recorded, representing 7.5% of the total plant species in the Kingdom. These include acacia, jujube, arta (Calligonum comosum), ghada (Haloxylon persicum), arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum), aather (Artemisia monosperma), and ramath (Haloxylon) trees.
The reserve's environmental diversity is a result of its vast size and varied topography. From the deep valleys to the towering mountains, from the wide plains to the basalt plateaus, the reserve's landscapes provide captivating contrast. These diverse habitats serve as vital refuge for a wide range of wildlife, including both resident and migratory species.

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North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
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North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.
The recognition follows UNESCO’s stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities.
CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported.
He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability.
He also underscored NCVC’s efforts to preserve the country’s unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.
With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts.

According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation.
Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.