Developing national parks in 27 locations into sustainable tourist destinations
In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting ecotourism and cultural tourism, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification and the Heritage Commission signed an ambitious memorandum of cooperation. This agreement aims to link heritage and historical sites with national parks, transforming them into sustainable cultural and environmental destinations. This ambitious project will contribute to supporting economic development and protecting archaeological and heritage sites, with all their tangible and intangible components, across the Kingdom.
Ecotourism and heritage tourism are at the heart of the Kingdom's vision
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been rich in unique natural and historical sites that remained largely untapped treasures for many years. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, a serious national drive has emerged to diversify income sources and reduce dependence on oil, with tourism and environmental protection taking center stage. This move aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to increase green spaces and protect biodiversity. Integrating the cultural and historical dimensions with the environmental dimension represents a qualitative shift in the way natural resources are managed, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of preserving national identity while safeguarding the resources of future generations.
National Parks Development and Rehabilitation Plan
The memorandum of cooperation, signed in the presence of the Acting CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, Engineer Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayadah, and the CEO of the Heritage Commission, Dr. Jasser Suleiman Al-Harbash, includes the development of 27 sites within national parks during the first phase. The plan encompasses the rehabilitation and sustainability of these sites, and the development of an integrated model that offers a unique tourism experience. This includes documenting and protecting heritage assets by identifying and registering archaeological sites within the parks and linking them to the national registry and international nominations.
Sustainable economic and cultural impact locally and internationally
This project is of paramount importance and has a multifaceted impact. Locally, it will play a pivotal role in empowering local communities, supporting artisans, and revitalizing commercial activity in and around these sites. Regionally, it enhances the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for ecotourism and cultural tourism in the Middle East. Internationally, the project aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to attracting tourists and researchers from around the world to explore authentic Saudi heritage and raising awareness of the value of heritage and the environment through media platforms and the design of engaging cultural experiences and narratives for visitors.
Map of targeted sites and prominent historical landmarks
The targeted sites are spread across several vital regions of the Kingdom, encompassing a rich geographical and historical diversity. In the Riyadh region, five sites were identified: Wathilan Park, Al-Ghat, Sudair, Jabalah, and Haradhah Al-Shamali. In Madinah, the plan included five additional sites: Al-Bayda Park, Al-Afra, Jabal Radwa, Qa'a Harmah, and Al-Sahwa.
The memorandum also included prominent sites in the Eastern Province, including the Al-Uyun and Al-Ahsa National Parks, along with 15 heritage sites in the Asir region. These sites hold priceless archaeological treasures, including the inscriptions of Shaab Al-Naghrah, the inscriptions of Shaibana Park in Balqarn, Asir, and the Buqayq burial mounds in the Eastern Province. They also encompass important Islamic historical landmarks such as the historic Jawatha Mosque, dating back to the 7th century AH, the historic Dhi Khashab Dam in Medina, the Al-Jadaan site in Jabalah, Riyadh, and the Muawiyah Dam in the Saisad Park in Taif Governorate, in addition to other sites of high cultural value.
