Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Restores Over 28,700 Hectares, Reports 62.6% Drop in Dust Storms
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority has restored more than 28,700 hectares of land through 10 major rehabilitation projects and planted nearly one million native seedlings. The authority reported on Arab Environment Day that the frequency of dust storms in the reserve fell by 62.6% in 2026.
The rehabilitation efforts have helped restore vegetation cover, improve soil, and curb desertification, strengthening ecosystem resilience across the 91,500-square-kilometer reserve. The reserve is home to more than 260 wildlife species, including 184 bird species, 28 mammal species, and 30 reptile species, as well as 235 documented plant species. Ongoing programs support habitat protection and the breeding and reintroduction of wildlife.
The authority uses 40 drones for field surveillance and access to rugged terrain, reducing carbon emissions from protection operations by 66.6%. It also operates 10 environmental monitoring stations that track air quality and climate data to support decision-making. Grazing is regulated in line with the carrying capacity of natural pastures.
Stressing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, the authority said it has conducted more than 20 environmental campaigns involving over 3,000 volunteers. It added that Arab Environment Day provides an opportunity to move from environmental awareness to sustainable practices with tangible results. The authority also emphasized its commitment to building a model that combines nature conservation, local community development, and ecotourism, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
