The Prince of Wales praised Saudi Arabia’s innovative conservation initiatives during his recent trip to the desert Kingdom.
Prince William, known for his advocacy in wildlife conservation, visited the Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla, a significant archaeological site in Saudi’s Medina region. The reserve, overseen by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Governor for the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation plans. It is being developed as a prominent cultural and heritage destination with substantial investments in arts programs, archaeological studies, infrastructure, and community education.
During his visit to the private Sharaan reserve, William interacted with rangers who are dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife and the natural environment. Guided by Bassim Al Balawi, Lead Ranger and a native of AlUla, William explored various conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, land restoration, and ecology. A major highlight of the project is the reintroduction of the critically endangered Arabian Leopard to the Sharaan by 2035.
At the Alqaliba Mountain Viewpoint, William engaged with Saudi rangers who briefed him on conservation activities in Sharaan and their community-oriented approach. Expressing his admiration, William remarked on the importance of showcasing new possibilities to local communities. He also discussed with Prince Badr the significance of AlUla’s heritage and natural landscapes in shaping the region’s strategic direction.
Impressed by the vision and dedication of the rangers and project leaders, William expressed excitement about the progress made since 2019, emphasizing the potential for Saudi Arabia to inspire similar efforts worldwide. He inquired about the Arabian Leopard and learned about the conservation efforts to protect this rare species, which has not been sighted in AlUla since the 1980s.
Continuing his tour, William learned about the land restoration program and planted a tree alongside Prince Badr to support the RCU’s habitat restoration initiatives. He also visited the ‘Dancing Rocks’ formation, where he was briefed on ongoing conservation projects aimed at safeguarding native species, particularly the critically endangered Arabian Leopard.
Spanning 1,540km², the Sharaan Nature Reserve comprises desert landscapes, mountains, and former rangeland, playing a crucial role in AlUla’s conservation efforts. As part of a broader endeavor to restore degraded rangeland, Sharaan is instrumental in rebalancing fragile ecosystems and reintroducing native species such as gazelles, the Arabian oryx, and acacia woodlands. Collaborating with the Zoological Society of London, the RCU supports conservation projects, including the rewilding of endangered species like the Arabian Leopard.
In a symbolic gesture, William participated in a tree-planting initiative aimed at planting 10 million trees over the next decade to revive the local ecosystem. Reflecting on the ambitious conservation project, William expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the preservation of the desert landscape.
