Saudi Arabia Hosts the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature for West Asia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 9th September 2024 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), today began hosting the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for West Asia in Riyadh. The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadhley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Chairman of the NCW, and in the presence of Egypt’s Minister of Environment, and Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, President of the IUCN.
Running from 9th to 11th September, the forum gathers more than 200 experts and specialists, representing IUCN members from the West Asia region, to address key environmental issues and strengthen regional collaboration in conservation efforts. This event is also a preparatory step toward the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025.
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of NCW, emphasized the importance of hosting this landmark forum in Saudi Arabia: “We are honored to bring together conservation leaders and experts from across West Asia in this critical forum. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Through initiatives such as the Protected Areas System Plan, we are setting a roadmap for safeguarding 30% of our land and marine areas by 2030, a key part of the 30x30 global goal. The discussions and collaborations that will take place over the next few days are vital to ensuring that our region contributes meaningfully to global conservation efforts. Our work in protecting endangered species, restoring ecosystems, and combating desertification will have long-term positive impacts on the natural heritage of West Asia.”
Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, highlighted the importance of collaboration in facing regional conservation challenges: “West Asia is a region of rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, yet it faces severe threats from climate change and habitat degradation. By coming together, we can share critical insights and innovative strategies to address these challenges. Collaboration is the key to achieving our shared goal of conserving nature and ensuring a sustainable future for all. IUCN remains committed to supporting these efforts through our global and regional networks.”
The forum will address several key themes, including nature-based solutions, incorporating protected areas into the IUCN Green List, and sustainable land restoration methodologies for drylands. Participants will also explore innovative technologies, such as remote sensing, to enhance monitoring and address environmental challenges like desertification. In addition, the forum will review the strategic vision and financial plan for IUCN over the next 20 years, while discussing the draft program for 2026-2029 in preparation for the 2025 World Conservation Congress.
This forum emphasizes the significance of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global conservation and highlights the nation’s pivotal role in driving regional cooperation. It also supports the Saudi Green Initiative’s objectives of improving quality of life and protecting the environment through shared knowledge and strategies with other nations.