For the first time in 100 years, four species of wild animals (Arabian oryx, ibex, sand gazelle (Reem antelope), and mountain deer) were released in the “NEOM Reserve” today.
This initiative is part of the wildlife resettlement program’s first phase. This program also entails the release of several wild species into the reserve in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife Development.
This step comes as part of NEOM’s efforts emanating from its vision to achieve sustainability and preserve the environment. It is also intended to be an unprecedented model for preserving wild and wildlife at the regional level.
The NEOM team provided support for the transfer of these wild animals from the National Center for Wildlife Development in Riyadh last October to NEOM Reserve.
In order to ensure that they are adapted to the environmental conditions in the reserve, they were placed in designated sites to gradually adjust to the changing environment. They were then released into the reserve.
The 25,000 square kilometers “NEOM Reserve” intends to create an ecosystem to protect and enhance the natural and environmental elements of NEOM and the surrounding area, as well as to boost biodiversity.
The National Center for Wildlife Development’s breeding program for endangered wildlife species, which is part of the “Saudi Green Initiative,” is considered to have achieved its goals as a result of this initiative.
The reserve will be home to one of the most significant wildlife and wildlife restoration programs in the world.
It will also open the way for visitors to learn about NEOM programs for the development and rehabilitation of vegetation and wildlife. They will be able to use them as a model that can be applied in other regions.
The reserve seeks, within its environmental system, to provide suitable ground for developing and applying solutions and innovations to meet the challenges that threaten the planet.
It is noteworthy that the process of releasing these organisms in its first phase comes as part of a plan led by NEOM to revitalize the ecosystem. It includes an imperative initiative to reforest and increase the amount of vegetation.
