Ibex Protected Area Becomes the First Saudi Site to Meet International Standards and Join the IUCN Green List
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 9 October 2024 — The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has announced that the Ibex Protected Area in Saudi Arabia, managed by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has been added to the IUCN Green List. This makes it the first protected area in Saudi Arabia to meet all required criteria and join the prestigious list, which includes only 77 sites globally out of more than 300,000 protected areas worldwide. This recognition highlights the site’s adherence to best practices and global standards for managing and safeguarding protected areas.
The IUCN Green List is a global program that sets the bar for excellence in nature conservation. It identifies and honors protected areas that demonstrate effective management, fair governance, and positive outcomes for both nature and local communities. Inclusion on this list signifies that the Ibex Protected Area has met demanding benchmarks, successfully safeguarding its natural resources while enhancing biodiversity and improving its habitats over time.
Dr. Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, stated, “The inclusion of the Ibex Protected Area in the IUCN Green List affirms our commitment to conserving habitats and achieving the 30x30 goal of protecting 30% of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine areas by 2030.” He emphasized that NCW is working with partners in the wildlife sector to register all national protected areas on this significant list, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objective of recognizing environmentally and culturally significant sites globally.
Dr. Qurban further noted, “This accomplishment aligns the National Center for Wildlife’s efforts with international conservation standards and showcases our dedication to preserving Saudi Arabia’s rich biodiversity. It supports the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring that our conservation efforts benefit current and future generations. Being on the Green List enhances the global reputation of the Ibex Protected Area and reinforces our commitment to developing sustainable conservation practices.”
Located in the Riyadh region, the Ibex Protected Area was established in 1988 in response to local community requests. It spans 1,840.9 square kilometers and is characterized by a large plateau within the Tuwaiq mountain range, featuring numerous valleys, streams, and sandy areas. Its diverse biodiversity and ecological richness have made it a distinguished natural site both regionally and globally.
The protected area is home to thriving populations of mountain ibex, representing a vital habitat for the species that has flourished there for thousands of years. It serves as a model for the integrity of habitats across the Tuwaiq mountains in central Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the area supports a variety of plant species, including acacia, samur, and sidr trees, as well as numerous shrubs, grasses, and herbs, providing habitat for many species such as mountain ibex, Arabian gazelle, rock hyrax, foxes, rodents, birds, and reptiles.
About the National Center for Wildlife (NCW)
The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) is Saudi Arabia’s leading authority on wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability. Established to protect the Kingdom’s diverse habitats and species, NCW focuses on the management of protected areas, restoration of endangered species, and sustainable development practices. Through scientific research, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, NCW aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage while contributing to global conservation efforts. NCW is committed to expanding protected areas, fostering environmental awareness, and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources to benefit future generations.