News DeskAlUla, Saudi Arabia – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is set to spotlight its remarkable environmental regeneration projects at the 10th World Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER2023) in Darwin, Australia. Serving as a Premium Sponsor of the event, RCU’s participation underscores its significant contributions to the sustainable conservation of natural and cultural landscapes and the rejuvenation of arid ecosystems in AlUla, solidifying its emerging leadership in this field.
The 10th World Conference, which marks the first in-person gathering of SER since 2019, has been deemed particularly important in facilitating knowledge exchange among experts and scholars on the latest trends in restoration science, practice, and policy. The event is scheduled to take place from September 26 to 30, 2023.
RCU, as the custodian of the unique ecological footprint of AlUla, has taken the lead in responsible and sustainable development during a critical juncture for global biodiversity. The organization has designated over 11,000 square kilometers of protected areas, covering more than 50% of the land in AlUla County. Additionally, RCU has launched nursery operations prioritizing native flora, such as peregrina and acacia, with ambitious plans to deliver the ecological restoration of at least 65,000 hectares by 2035.
One of the standout achievements within AlUla is the Sharaan Nature Reserve, spanning 1,200 square kilometers, where a 100-hectare restoration pilot site has become a symbol of RCU’s ecological restoration strategy. By harnessing natural regeneration, RCU has successfully reintroduced over 100,000 native seedlings into the wild, boasting an impressive 90% survival rate—a remarkable feat in such a challenging climate. The organization aims to introduce an additional 400,000 seedlings by 2024, further expanding green areas and setting a benchmark for eco-restoration practices.
Dr. Stephen Browne, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, lauded these efforts, stating, “Restoration efforts in the desert landscapes of AlUla are shining examples of how determined action can yield concrete change. RCU’s achievements, such as reintroducing native animal species to their natural habitat and rejuvenating native flora, offer the world a message of hope, resilience, and collaboration.”
In addition to their ecological impact, RCU’s initiatives emphasize the intricate connection between nature and culture. Recent studies by RCU have shown that native flora species are thriving in ‘conservation islands’ at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hegra, underscoring nature’s resilience. AlUla is envisioned as a blueprint for the protection and rejuvenation of arid ecosystems.
RCU’s commitment to community involvement is also evident, with 154 Rangers from the AlUla community trained and deployed to work across the region’s network of nature reserves. This approach, which combines local wisdom with modern practices, is shaping international best practices for protected area management.
RCU has further strengthened its mission through strategic partnerships, including its association with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasizing its dedication to collaboration in the field of ecological restoration. This reaffirms RCU’s growing prominence and sends a clear message to the world: restoration is a collective mission, and every initiative is vital to saving our environment.
As SER2023 approaches, RCU is set to communicate its overarching agenda of positioning AlUla as a pioneering model for eco-restoration. With achievements ranging from expansive protected areas to the meticulous conservation of arid ecosystems, RCU stands not only as a participant but as a leader setting a gold standard for sustainable environmental stewardship worldwide.
