The Board of Directors of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has announced the launch of the Reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP). This comprehensive plan is set to position the Reserve as a global leader in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism while enhancing the economic and social well-being of local communities.
Spanning over 24,500 square kilometres, the Reserve is home to 15 distinct ecosystems, ranging from mountainous ridges to the coral reefs of the Red Sea. The IDMP serves as a detailed roadmap that aligns with global environmental standards, encompassing various aspects such as environmental conservation, ecotourism, cultural preservation, and economic development. The Reserve’s ecosystems are of exceptional biodiversity, and the IDMP’s guidelines are designed to restore and conserve this natural heritage through innovative wildlife management and reintroduction programs.
One of the plan’s key components is the reintroduction of 23 historically occurring species, including the Arabian oryx, Arabian leopard, and cheetah. Of these, 16 species have become extinct within the Reserve, while others are classified as Critically Endangered or Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). An extensive habitat restoration project supports this initiative, aiming to protect over 400 native plant species within the Reserve.
The IDMP also emphasises the development of a sustainable ecotourism ecosystem. It incorporates key projects like Red Sea Global’s AMAALA, which is located within the Reserve, to create a world-class tourism destination that balances ecological conservation with visitor engagement. The Reserve’s efforts in ecotourism are expected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals, providing around 5,400 job opportunities by 2025.
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority, highlighted the Reserve’s pioneering efforts in conservation. “The building blocks are in place to deliver the promise of the IDMP by 2030 – a Reserve of global conservation significance rooted in the community,” Zaloumis said. He also noted that the Reserve has already reintroduced several animal species, discovered new species, and trained an effective ranger team of 150 local men and women.
In alignment with the Saudi Green Initiative, the IDMP supports the Kingdom’s broader environmental goals, including the protection of 30% of its terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. The Reserve’s strategic location, connecting major projects like NEOM and AlUla, further strengthens its role in regional environmental restoration efforts. By 2025, the Reserve aims to establish a 70,000 square kilometre environmental corridor, enabling the free movement of wildlife and enhancing the region’s ecological resilience. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is one of eight Royal Reserves established by Royal Decree, with a mission to protect Saudi Arabia’s natural heritage while fostering sustainable development.
