The event brought together global leaders, environmental experts, and organizations dedicated to protecting the planet’s natural heritage, providing an ideal platform for the Kingdom to showcase its remarkable progress under Saudi Vision 2030.

At its vibrant pavilion, the authority presented an inspiring overview of the Kingdom’s accomplishments in biodiversity conservation, vegetation restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the reserve authority highlighted efforts that have transformed vast areas of the Arabian landscape into thriving ecosystems that balance environmental protection with community and economic development.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, spanning over 91,500 square kilometers, stands as one of the largest protected areas in the Kingdom.

During the congress, the authority shared its impressive record of planting more than 775,000 seedlings, which has resulted in a 9 percent increase in vegetation cover.

These efforts have significantly contributed to combating desertification, restoring natural habitats, and improving overall ecological balance in the region.

One of the highlights of the pavilion was the successful reintroduction of endangered species, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and red-necked ostrich.

These rewilding programs symbolize the Kingdom’s deep commitment to restoring native wildlife populations and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Visitors learned how careful planning, habitat protection, and scientific monitoring have allowed these majestic animals to thrive once again in their natural environments.

The pavilion’s design itself reflected Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach to conservation. It featured interactive displays of plant and soil models, along with cutting-edge field monitoring devices that demonstrate how technology is being used to track vegetation cover and ecosystem health.

The immersive setup allowed visitors to experience the unique environmental diversity of the reserve, showcasing the seamless integration of science, culture, and sustainability.

Beyond ecology, the authority’s participation emphasized the social and economic dimensions of conservation. The pavilion highlighted projects that empower local communities through ecotourism, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods.

These initiatives not only create jobs and foster economic growth but also cultivate a stronger sense of environmental stewardship among residents.

Visitors were particularly impressed by the tourism-focused exhibits, which showcased how the reserve is becoming a model for eco-friendly travel. Through guided nature trails, wildlife observation areas, and cultural heritage programs, the reserve invites both domestic and international visitors to explore Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty responsibly.

This approach reflects the country’s broader goal of promoting tourism that supports conservation while celebrating the Kingdom’s environmental and cultural heritage.

Delegations and guests from around the world praised the Kingdom’s achievements, describing the Saudi pavilion as one of the most engaging and informative exhibits at the congress.

It highlighted how the Kingdom’s conservation policies align with global sustainability goals, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, which began on October 9 and concludes on Wednesday, serves as one of the most important global gatherings for environmental leadership and innovation. By actively participating in the event, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in environmental protection and biodiversity management.

In a statement, the authority emphasized that these achievements are part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance natural resource sustainability, in line with Vision 2030’s Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives.

These national programs aim to increase green spaces, combat climate change, and safeguard biodiversity through large-scale environmental projects.

As the congress draws to a close, Saudi Arabia’s participation stands as a proud reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to conservation, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve has become a beacon of environmental progress — embodying the harmony between nature, people, and prosperity that defines the next era of Saudi environmental leadership.

Saudi women are not just part of this change—they are actively shaping the Kingdom’s environmental future, turning sand into soil.

In the heart of the Kingdom’s vast deserts, an extraordinary transformation is taking place. Once barren stretches of sand are now being turned into fertile soil, and leading this revolutionary effort are Saudi women.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a defining moment in its sustainability journey. Under Vision 2030’s Green Saudi Initiative, the nation is making bold strides toward reforestation, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture. However, what often goes unrecognized is that Saudi women are at the forefront of these efforts, driving groundbreaking scientific advancements to combat desertification and ensure a greener future.

With women now constituting 40 percent of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Saudi Arabia has surpassed many Western nations in gender diversity in these critical fields. But their impact extends far beyond the classroom—they are actively leading research, pioneering innovative environmental solutions, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.

Orn Supaphol, Chief Technical Officer at Saudi Desert Control, highlights the critical role women play in environmental restoration. “In my work, I witness firsthand how Saudi women are leading projects that transform deserts into fertile land, improve water conservation, and develop long-term sustainability solutions,” she said.

One of Saudi Arabia’s most pressing environmental challenges is desertification—the loss of arable land due to climate conditions and soil degradation. Tackling this issue demands scientific breakthroughs, innovation, and long-term commitment. Across the Kingdom, Saudi women are rising to this challenge.

At Saudi Desert Control, researchers employ cutting-edge Liquid Natural Clay technology to enhance the water retention capacity of desert sand, making sustainable food production possible in one of the world’s most arid climates. Women scientists and engineers are spearheading the deployment of this technology, ensuring its success on the ground.

Beyond this, female researchers and agricultural engineers are leading efforts to reduce water consumption, implement regenerative farming techniques, and introduce climate-resilient crops. Their work is essential in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Science and sustainability thrive on diverse perspectives, and the contributions of women in these fields lead to more effective decision-making, innovative solutions, and long-term resilience. Many of the most forward-thinking environmental advancements in Saudi Arabia today can be traced back to the efforts of female scientists and engineers.

“Saudi Arabia’s transformation is often spoken of as something coming in the future,” said Supaphol. “But working alongside incredible female colleagues, I can confidently say the future is already here.”

Saudi women are not just part of this change—they are actively shaping the Kingdom’s environmental future, turning sand into soil, conserving resources, and making sustainability a reality.

As the nation accelerates its sustainability drive, young Saudi women pursuing careers in science and environmental conservation will play a decisive role. Their contributions will define the next chapter in Saudi Arabia’s history, proving that the future of sustainability is not just coming—it is happening now.