RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority is intensifying efforts to protect the vegetation, wildlife, and public property within its reserve, the largest in the Kingdom at 130,700 sq. km.

Distinguished by its nature, terrain and archaeological sites (some dating back to 8000 B.C.), its protection contributes to environmental sustainability and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of making the Kingdom a global environmental tourist destination, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority’s efforts include enforcing regulations against violators, in partnership with the Special Forces for Environmental Security; rehabilitating damaged lands affected by overgrazing and desertification; planting nearly 4 million seedlings; rehabilitating 750,000 hectares of degraded land to restore plant life; and distributing tonnes of native wild seeds.

The authority has urged adherence to regulations, stressing continuous monitoring and enforcement against violations.

The royal reserve, a vast ecological haven across the Northern Borders, Jouf, Tabuk and Hail regions, is a vital hub for migratory birds. It is home to more than 290 bird species, with 88 percent being migratory and 12 percent resident.

This accounts for 58 percent of all bird species recorded in the Kingdom. The reserve also protects 26 bird species listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

The reserve serves as the Kingdom’s first stop for flocks arriving from Asia and Europe in the autumn, and their last station before departing in spring.

With its rich biodiversity, balanced environment and varied landscapes, the reserve also stands as a natural sanctuary, hosting remarkable species such as the steppe eagle, the eastern imperial eagle, and the houbara bustard.