From desert valleys to coral reefs: A week showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural transformation

From desert valleys to coral reefs: A week showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural transformation From desert valleys to coral reefs: A week showcasing Saudi Arabia’s natural transformation

RIYADH — As a country rich in biodiversity and committed to wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has launched Environment Week 2026 in Riyadh, led by the Minister of Environment, as part of a nationwide push to strengthen environmental awareness and sustainability efforts across the Kingdom. Held under the theme “Your Impact is Green,” the week-long campaign calls for collective action from government entities, the private and non-profit sectors, and the public to protect natural resources and promote responsible environmental practices. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shared examples of efforts by a few regions to preserve their diverse environments and wildlife. Najran’s dense vegetationThe Najran region is distinguished by its natural and environmental features, including a varied topography of valleys, ravines, and plains — which have sprouted after the recent heavy rains — and a moderate year-round climate, all of which have contributed to the growth and diversity of its vegetation. **media[2702156,2702159]** SPA toured several natural valleys and ravines along the road passing through the Bir Askar highlands via Hadadah, highlighting the rich vegetation that has blanketed vast areas of the valleys and ravines. **media[2702155,2702160]** The Sidr, Samar, and Acacia trees, with their abundant shade and flowering plants, have breathed new life into the region’s valleys, transforming them into a verdant landscape that reflects the region’s rich environmental and natural diversity. The Environment Week activities, themed “Leave No Trace,” are launched in conjunction with the return of vegetation and the greening of ancient trees. **media[2702157]** The Najran region is participating in initiatives and programs that promote environmental sustainability by preserving vegetation, raising awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources, increasing environmental awareness, fostering positive behaviors within the community, and urging picnickers and visitors to keep national parks and natural sites clean, leaving a lasting positive impact. **media[2702158]** AlUla’s ideal reservesAl-Ula stands out as a leading example of managing and utilizing its natural resources within a comprehensive development framework grounded in protection and development. As a home to a network of nature reserves that play a pivotal role in protecting ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity, AlUla solidifies its position as a prominent ecotourism destination. **media[2702165]** AlUla boasts a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna that have adapted to the region’s nature and topography, enhancing its environmental and scientific value and supporting its focus on providing tourism experiences based on responsible interaction with nature. Among the most prominent reserves are the Sharaan, Al-Gharamil, Harrat Al-Zabin, Harrat Awairid, and Wadi Al-Nakhlah reserves, in addition to a sixth reserve in the Khaybar Governorate, overseen by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate. This diversity is complemented by the organization of high-quality environmental events and experiences, including opportunities in areas with low light pollution, providing an ideal environment for observing and contemplating the clear skies and stargazing. **media[2702169]** Specialized workshops on the environment and sustainability are also organized, helping raise environmental awareness and foster a culture of responsible interaction with nature. There is also a growing movement of local communities actively contributing to the preservation of these natural resources through environmental initiatives such as tree-planting campaigns, adopting sustainable practices that promote efficient resource use, and cleaning up natural areas. **media[2702166,2702168]** In this context, the AlUla Nursery and Seed Bank plays a key role in environmental rehabilitation efforts by propagating native plants, preserving their seeds, and supplying projects and reserves with suitable species. The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate affirms its ongoing commitment to promoting sound environmental practices and raising community awareness through high-quality programs and initiatives focused on protecting wildlife and developing its resources. These efforts align with the objectives of Environment Week, which aim to establish a culture of preserving natural systems and achieving a positive, sustainable environmental impact. **media[2702167]** Jazan’s tropical paradiseIn a scene where nature’s features harmonize among the azure sea, expansive plains, and verdant mountains, the Jazan region stands out as one of the Kingdom’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity. It presents an integrated model that combines abundant natural resources with growing efforts towards sustainability, coinciding with the activities of Environment Week. **media[2702173]** Jazan embraces a unique ecosystem that begins with its Red Sea coastline, passes through the Farasan Islands archipelago — considered one of the most prominent marine conservation sites due to its rich coral reefs and biodiversity — and extends to its mountainous highlands in Fayfa and Bani Malik. With the launch of Environment Week, the efforts of relevant authorities in the region are integrated through impactful initiatives, including tree-planting campaigns, vegetation development, and beach cleanups, alongside awareness and community programs that promote a culture of environmental conservation and instill sustainability as a daily practice. **media[2702174,2702175]** Jazan also represents an attractive environment for wildlife, particularly migratory birds and marine life, which encourages the intensification of protection programs and the preservation of this ecological balance. Given the region’s natural assets, ecotourism offers a promising avenue, especially in the Farasan Islands and mountainous areas, achieving a balance between economic development and environmental preservation and reflecting a trend towards sustainable resource investment. **media[2702172,2702176]**

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