Regulating grazing in Al-Ula reserves: New conditions and annual licenses
The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate announced a significant strategic step aimed at protecting the natural environment, introducing a new regulatory framework for grazing in AlUla's protected areas. This regulatory decision was made through the "Survey" platform to engage the public and stakeholders in shaping decisions before their final adoption, thus ensuring the protection of the region's unique ecosystems.
The authority explained that the draft resolution targets four major protected areas of significant environmental and historical importance: Wadi Nakhla, Harrat Awairid, Al-Gharamil, and Harrat Al-Zabin. This initiative aims to gather feedback and suggestions from the local community and environmental stakeholders before finalizing the resolution in a way that serves the Kingdom's strategic objectives of preserving vegetation cover.
The history of nature conservation and the development of grazing in Al-Ula reserves
AlUla Governorate is considered one of the most important natural and historical destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, distinguished by its unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes shaped over thousands of years. Historically, overgrazing has posed a significant challenge to the vegetation cover of the Arabian Peninsula, leading to the degradation of some ecosystems and the loss of vast green spaces. Therefore, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate's efforts, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, aim to rehabilitate these lands. Regulating grazing in AlUla's protected areas is not merely an administrative measure, but rather an extension of national efforts seeking to restore ecological balance, protect wildlife, and reintroduce endangered animals to their natural habitats.
Strategic dimensions of grazing regulation and its future impact
This decision has far-reaching positive implications at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, it will contribute to the sustainability of the local community's natural resources, ensuring the availability of grazing lands for future generations without depletion and supporting the rural economy sustainably. Regionally, it reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in environmental protection and combating desertification in the Middle East. Internationally, these steps align with international treaties for the protection of biodiversity and the reduction of carbon emissions through increased green spaces.
Regulatory requirements for obtaining grazing licenses
The proposed project revealed that the regulations would take effect sixty days after the date of publication of the approved decision on the Authority's website. The draft also included provisions granting the CEO the authority to extend this period as needed for regulatory purposes. The draft outlined a set of proposed regulatory requirements for license applicants, most notably submitting the application using a specific form and being a Saudi citizen. The document also stipulated the submission of official documents proving the applicant's residency in Al-Ula Governorate for at least one calendar year prior to the application date.
On the veterinary and regulatory side, the proposed project requires herders to provide proof of livestock tagging according to the procedures approved by the Authority. The conditions also include proof of the health of the herd and accompanying animals to ensure the sustainability and safety of the protected environment. The draft submitted for consultation stipulates that the duration of each license should not exceed one calendar year for each beneficiary, with grazing restricted to locations, areas, and times that will be determined and announced by the Authority to prevent overgrazing.
Full compliance with the provisions of the Environmental Regulations
The Authority noted in its project that future licensing applications will be directly dependent on the status and carrying capacity of the protected area. The proposed guidelines stipulate that licensees must fully comply with the provisions of the Environmental Law, its implementing regulations, and all relevant government directives. The draft also states that the Authority will publish licensing procedures on its website to facilitate access for beneficiaries.
The project proposes granting the CEO of the Authority administrative flexibility to amend or add to the terms as deemed necessary for environmental protection, with the requirement that any future amendments be announced transparently through official channels. This regulatory move, now open to the public, is based on the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations for protected areas, as well as the Authority's strategic powers framework. The Authority invites all stakeholders and beneficiaries to submit their views to ensure the decision is formulated in a balanced manner that meets expectations and protects natural resources.
