NCW Releases 15 Arabian Sand Gazelles at Buraydah Oasis Park

Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley has released 15 Arabian Sand Gazelles at Buraydah Oasis Park in the Qassim Region. This release is part of the breeding and reintroduction program for endangered wildlife species for the 2024-2025 season. It also represents an extension of collaborative efforts among various environmental sectors to enhance biodiversity, restore ecological balance, and promote environmental sustainability in the region. This event marks the beginning of this year's wildlife release season and continues the NCW's initiatives to breed endangered species and reintroduce them into national parks and natural reserves. It highlights the strong cooperation between the Center and national entities with shared interests in environmental conservation. The CEO of the NCW, Dr. Mohammed bin Ali Qurban, stated that the release at Buraydah Oasis Park was conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) and the National Water Company (NWC). The goal is to enhance the oasis's appeal and raise environmental awareness among its visitors. Dr. Qurban elaborated that the NCW assessed the oasis's current and future biodiversity to determine the significance of releasing these species, thereby enriching and enhancing biodiversity in the oasis and its surrounding areas, which includes resident and migratory species recorded there. He emphasized that the NCW's efforts in national parks not only bolster ecotourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also create additional economic opportunities for the local community. The NCW remains committed to partnering with the community and relevant stakeholders. Dr. Qurban affirmed that this release is part of ongoing collaboration within the environmental system to develop and implement national plans for wildlife development by breeding and reintroducing endangered local species, rehabi litating ecosystems, and enriching biodiversity in the Kingdom. This initiative is also aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and supports the National Strategy for Environmental Conservation, contributing to the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to create a positive and attractive environment and improve the quality of life. Source: Saudi Press Agency