King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Marks International Day for Biodiversity

The Saudi Green Initiative is a driving force behind achieving global climate goals and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 - SPA
The Saudi Green Initiative is a driving force behind achieving global climate goals and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 - SPA
TT

King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Marks International Day for Biodiversity

The Saudi Green Initiative is a driving force behind achieving global climate goals and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 - SPA
The Saudi Green Initiative is a driving force behind achieving global climate goals and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 - SPA

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority observed the International Day for Biodiversity on Wednesday. Under this year's theme, "Be Part of the Plan," the United Nations emphasizes the critical role biodiversity plays in achieving sustainable development, a core principle of Saudi Vision 2030, SPA reported.
The Saudi Green Initiative is a driving force behind achieving global climate goals and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. Demonstrating this commitment, significant progress has already been made: over 192,000 hectares of land have been revitalized, more than three million wild seedlings have been cultivated, 49 million trees have been planted across the country, and 18.1% of wild areas have been transformed into protected nature reserves. These efforts promote wildlife conservation, with over 1,660 endangered animals being reintroduced to their natural habitats.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the comprehensive strategy for royal reserves, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority plays a vital role. Through collaboration with public, private, and non-profit sectors, it pursues a multifaceted mission that includes restoring environmental balance by removing over 45 million kilograms of waste and reintroducing 330 threatened species, such as the Arabian oryx and the houbara bustard.

The authority also prioritizes preserving the region's rich heritage and natural resources.
As a government member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the authority plays a key role in boosting the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.



New Pair of Giant Pandas Gifted by Beijing Arrives in Hong Kong

A zookeeper feeds An An, one of two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong, before heading to its new destination, at Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, in southwestern China's Sichuan province on September 24, 2024. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
A zookeeper feeds An An, one of two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong, before heading to its new destination, at Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, in southwestern China's Sichuan province on September 24, 2024. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
TT

New Pair of Giant Pandas Gifted by Beijing Arrives in Hong Kong

A zookeeper feeds An An, one of two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong, before heading to its new destination, at Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, in southwestern China's Sichuan province on September 24, 2024. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT
A zookeeper feeds An An, one of two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong, before heading to its new destination, at Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, in southwestern China's Sichuan province on September 24, 2024. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT

Hong Kong welcomed a new pair of giant pandas gifted by Beijing on Thursday with a lavish ceremony, raising hopes for a boost to the city's tourism.
An An and Ke Ke are the third pair of giant pandas to be sent to the city from mainland China since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Their arrival came after their new neighbor, Ying Ying, gave birth to twins last month and became the world’s oldest first-time panda mother on record, The Associated Press reported.
The newcomers bring the Ocean Park panda population to six, including the father of the twins, Le Le. Ocean Park chairman Paulo Pong Kin-Yee noted that would make three generations of giant pandas at the popular Hong Kong zoo and aquarium attraction.
Chief Executive John Lee said An An is a 5-year-old male panda who is agile, intelligent and active, while Ke Ke, a 5-year-old female, is good at climbing, cute and has a gentle temperament.
The new arrivals will be in quarantine for two months to adapt to their new home. Lee expressed hope that the public could meet the new bears in mid-December.
In October, the government will invite residents to propose new names that showcase the pandas’ characteristics.
Tourism industry representatives are optimistic about the potential impact of housing six pandas, hoping it will boost visitor numbers in Hong Kong. Officials have encouraged businesses to capitalize on the popularity of the new bears and newborn cubs to seize opportunities in what some lawmakers have dubbed the “panda economy."
Pandas are considered China’s unofficial national mascot. The country's giant panda loan program with overseas zoos has long been seen as a tool of Beijing’s soft-power diplomacy. Giant pandas are only found in China's southwest and their population is under threat from development.
But caring for pandas in captivity is expensive.