The National Center for Wildlife recorded the influx during its 2025 winter census, highlighting the islands’ role as a key stopover on international migration routes.

Monitoring teams documented 45 waterbird species across the reserve, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity and the healthy state of its marine and coastal ecosystems.

These habitats offer safe resting areas and abundant food resources, making the reserve a vital sanctuary for birds traveling long distances each year.

The findings form part of a long-term environmental monitoring program designed to improve ecosystem management and enhance wildlife sustainability.

Through continuous data collection and analysis, the program supports conservation strategies aimed at protecting fragile species and preserving the balance of Red Sea ecosystems.

The Farasan Islands Reserve is widely recognized as one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant natural sites, known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine coastlines.

These characteristics make the region not only ecologically important but also a growing destination for eco-tourism and environmental research.

Earlier this month, the reserve achieved a historic milestone by being added to the Ramsar Convention List of Wetlands of International Importance.

This marks the first time a site in Saudi Arabia has been registered under the treaty, signaling the Kingdom’s expanding role in global environmental protection efforts.

The inclusion in the Ramsar list strengthens the nation’s commitment to safeguarding ecosystems and managing natural resources responsibly.

It also enhances the international profile of the Farasan Islands, promoting further collaboration, research, and sustainable development initiatives.

This achievement aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, both of which place environmental protection at the heart of the Kingdom’s future strategy.

These programs aim to expand protected areas, restore ecosystems, and increase biodiversity as part of a broader transition toward environmental sustainability.

Local authorities continue to work on improving conservation infrastructure across the reserve, ensuring that migratory birds and native species alike benefit from safe and thriving habitats.

Efforts include habitat restoration, scientific monitoring, and community engagement aimed at fostering environmental awareness.

The arrival of thousands of birds this season reinforces the importance of the islands as a natural refuge for life along the Red Sea.

It also highlights the positive impact of ongoing conservation policies, which are successfully preserving critical ecosystems in the face of regional and global environmental challenges.

As the Farasan Islands move forward under strengthened international recognition, the reserve’s future appears bright with new opportunities for preservation and sustainable tourism.

By protecting migratory routes and nurturing marine and coastal biodiversity, the region stands as a symbol of the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental leadership.

As part of this initiative, the Najran Municipality has launched extensive greening projects to enhance vegetation cover and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. These efforts aim to raise the quality of life, protect the environment, and improve the aesthetic appeal of the city.

In a significant step, the municipality has planted 8,487 new trees across 24 key sites in Najran. These trees include more than 20 native species, carefully selected to thrive in the region’s desert climate while requiring minimal water for maintenance.

This project not only enhances Najran’s urban landscape but also contributes to environmental sustainability and the fight against desertification. It highlights the region’s dedication to creating a balance between urban growth and ecological preservation.

Municipal spokesman Abdullah Al-Fadel emphasized that the initiative focuses on expanding public parks, beautifying neighborhoods, and improving air quality. He added that these green efforts aim to provide citizens with safe, clean, and enjoyable recreational environments.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the municipality has adopted modern irrigation technologies designed to reduce water consumption while maintaining healthy vegetation. These eco-friendly systems guarantee that the city’s growing greenery continues to flourish even in arid conditions.

The results are already visible across Najran’s public spaces. Newly developed parks and restored green areas have become favorite destinations for families, picnickers, and fitness enthusiasts.

King Fahd Park stands out as one of the largest green spaces in the city, offering walking and cycling paths, shaded seating areas, and play zones for children. The park’s blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes it a vibrant hub of community activity.

Another popular spot, Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz Park, provides a peaceful retreat for residents seeking relaxation and outdoor leisure.
Its abundant greenery, open lawns, and scenic walking trails make it an ideal space for social gatherings and family outings.

Similarly, Prince Turki bin Hathloul Park continues to draw visitors with its expansive grounds and well-designed recreational facilities.
These parks symbolize Najran’s growing dedication to sustainability, community wellness, and natural beauty.

The city’s green transformation is not only beautifying the landscape but also improving the overall urban ecosystem.
Trees play a vital role in lowering temperatures, purifying air, and promoting biodiversity, all of which contribute to a healthier living environment.

Najran’s environmental initiatives serve as a model for other Saudi cities aiming to embrace eco-friendly urban planning.
By integrating nature into its infrastructure, the municipality is paving the way for a more sustainable and livable future.

Through ongoing maintenance, awareness campaigns, and public engagement, Najran ensures that its green projects remain successful for years to come. The initiative reflects a clear message — that environmental care and modern development can coexist harmoniously in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving cities.

As Najran’s parks and green spaces flourish, they continue to inspire pride among residents and admiration from visitors.
The city’s dedication to nature and community well-being stands as a powerful example of progress rooted in sustainability.

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.

According to a report by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the occasion of World Agriculture Day, the authority has also planted nearly 4 million seedlings across the reserve, which spans 130,700 square kilometers. To support natural regeneration of forests and rangelands, teams have dispersed 7,500 kilograms of local seeds, including yarrow, artemisia, and haloxylon.

These efforts are part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 27, 2021. The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, increasing afforestation, and protecting land and marine ecosystems.

The reserve, established by royal order in June 2018 and named after King Salman, consolidates protected areas across the Kingdom’s northern provinces of Tabuk, Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Hail. Restoration projects aim to reclaim lands affected by desertification and overgrazing, allowing native plant life to return and thrive.

The reserve hosts over 550 plant species and has relocated 1,235 wildlife species, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Arabian leopards. It is also a crucial stopover for migratory birds, serving as their first station in the Kingdom from Asia and Europe in the fall, and the last before departing to Africa in spring.

These achievements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental preservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development, ensuring natural resources are safeguarded for future generations.

The meeting underscores the two nations’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. In a related development, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, through Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI), recently completed a five-day investment promotion tour in Russia.

Led by JCPDI CEO Hussain Fadhli, the Saudi delegation engaged with top Russian companies to present Jazan City’s advanced infrastructure, investment incentives, and competitive advantages, aiming to foster strategic partnerships and attract foreign investment.