ECOTOURISM IN PROTECTED AREAS

NCW’S ECOTOURISM VISION AND MISSION

The role of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) complements the efforts made by the world in protecting innate life and natural environments in an effort to stop the loss or threat of more animal and plant species extinction. The authorities have therefore established a system of natural Protected Areas (PA) that includes many existing and proposed areas that include desert, mountainous, and marine ecosystems in the Kingdom. The authority operates according to a methodology agreed upon by global and regional organizations specialized in protecting native species, which is based on the idea of establishing and managing natural PAs. This notion of ecotourism is considered principal technique to preserve the ecosystems and the biological diversity and location they contain. It is best suited for research to use nature in reserving to resettling endangered species that contributes in reducing global ecosystems threats phenomenon.

CENTER'S OBJECTIVES FOR ECOTOURISM

NCW Ecotourism Goals

Protected Areas and its ecosystems contents and biodiversity are part of world’s future generations wealth of national heritage. Many countries have invested their ecotourism to achieve resources that supports national economy and achieve a greater degree of wildlife species awareness. Such notion achieves and raises awareness of the importance PAs. It also helps the provision of new investment opportunities that contribute to the diversity of investments and supports unemployment efforts.

Ecotourism destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Deserts

Deserts cover the vast area of the Kingdom and receive an average rainfall of less than 100 millimeters annually. Desert natural features vary from sandstone and granite plateaus to gravel areas, rough black deserts, and seas of fine sand. Deserts may appear as a poor environment due to the lack of water, plants, and organic soil, which increases their sensitivity to being affected by traveling and camping activities. Wildlife in deserts is concentrated in oases, valleys, and canyons, in addition to Ar-Riyadh and Al-Fayyad, which flourish after rainfall. These are the same sites where hikers and campers like to use. Springs, streams, and ponds in the desert environment are the focus of life for creatures, including livestock and humans. Due to the inability to replace or purify these resources, pollutants often accumulate and sometimes their water is depleted. Such deprives all species that depend on them from life.

Mountains

The high mountain peaks are what remains of the temperate ecosystem that was widespread in the Arabian Peninsula, and there are endemic plant and animal species that are not found anywhere else. Juniper forests cover the Sarawat mountain, western part of Arabian Peninsula, which are desirable destinations for tourism and hiking. However, they are important as rainwater catchment areas and are vulnerable to fires and destruction as the mountain slopes are unstable and susceptible to erosion.

Marine Coastal

Coasts are among the richest and productive ecosystem areas that are subject to intense pressure from their visitors and users. They serve as nesting sites for many birds and sea turtles. Among the sensitive and critical areas on the coast are the Shura and Qandal groves, which provide habitat and shelter for living organisms i.e. birds, small fish, and crustaceans. As for coral reefs, they are made up of very delicate and sensitive animal organisms that could be damaged by divers and fishermen because. Marine habitat includes stunning natural beauty and abundance of fish species as well as other creatures. Many visitors may not realize the extent of coral reefs destruction caused by throwing boat anchors, fishing nets, walking, or standing on them.