News DeskRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Board of Directors of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has officially launched the Reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP). This comprehensive plan aims to transform the 24,500 square kilometer Reserve into a global model for environmental conservation, ecotourism, and sustainable development.
The IDMP sets out a detailed roadmap aligned with international standards, addressing the Reserve’s environmental, economic, social, tourism, and cultural dimensions. Spanning 15 distinct ecosystems, from mountain ridges to coral reefs, the Reserve is set to become a hub for wildlife conservation, ecotourism, and heritage preservation. The plan includes the reintroduction of 23 historically occurring species, including the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and cheetah, supported by an extensive habitat restoration initiative.
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Reserve Development Authority, emphasized the plan’s significance, noting that it represents a major step forward in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global environmental challenges. “The building blocks are in place to deliver the promise of the IDMP by 2030 – a Reserve of global conservation significance rooted in community,” Zaloumis stated. The IDMP is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
The Reserve’s strategic location, connecting major projects like NEOM and AMAALA, will play a critical role in the Kingdom’s environmental restoration efforts. By 2025, the plan envisions a 70,000 km² environmental corridor allowing animals to roam freely, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting regional ecotourism. This initiative is also expected to generate approximately 5,400 jobs, benefitting local communities.
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree and is overseen by the Royal Reserves Council. This initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s dedication to sustainability, wildlife protection, and the creation of a leading global ecotourism destination.
