The Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) is considering using drones to curb unauthorized hunting in the country's wildlife reserves.
Prince Bandar bin Saud, head of the SWA, said during a board meeting recently at the organization's headquarters in Riyadh, that the authority urgently needs capable pilots for around the clock surveillance.
He said there were fewer violations than previous years but still running into the “dozens.”
He said the SWA is mandated to safeguard the country's assets. “The authority has state approval to be armed. Our staff has been training with weapons for two years.”
Only a royal decree allows people to buy wild animals such as leopards and lions, Prince Bandar said. “Acquiring wild animals for research and circuses is permitted if they are licensed. All other cases would constitute a violation of the law.”
All patrols and staff on duty are monitored by satellite. “Awareness campaigns will be held on the importance of preserving wildlife and biodiversity.” He said the SWA also plans to conduct inspections at taxidermy shops to catch violators.
He said the SWA was aware that wild and sometimes rare species such as leopards, lions, deer and birds are smuggled from Yemen into the Kingdom. “The authority will soon launch a unit of volunteers with defined programs to help it in its mission,” said Prince Bandar.
The SWA has a budget of over SR 190 million and plans to provide more jobs for citizens and the youth.
Saudi drones for wildlife protection under study
Saudi drones for wildlife protection under study
KSrelief distributes winter aid to Gaza students
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed winter clothing to students at educational sites in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip as part of its campaign to support the Palestinian people.
The initiative addresses the growing needs of students continuing their education under difficult circumstances, with classes held in tents after most schools and educational facilities were destroyed.
Meanwhile, the 80th Saudi relief airplane operated by KSrelief arrived at El Arish International Airport in Egypt, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense and the Saudi Embassy in Cairo.
The airplane is carrying food baskets and shelter kits for distribution to affected Palestinians inside the Gaza Strip. The supplies are part of Saudi support to help alleviate the difficult living conditions in Gaza.
Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has implemented 147 projects in Palestine worth about $533 million, covering food security, early recovery, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid, and nutrition.
