Arab News, Thu, Feb 29, 2024 | Shaban 19, 1445
Deal signed to document heritage of Saudi nature reserve
Saudi Arabia:
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority signed a
memorandum of understanding with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and
Archives to document the heritage of the reserve, the Saudi Press Agency
reported on Tuesday.
The agreement is aimed at bolstering cooperation
and forming a joint team to document the geographical scope of the reserve, its
history, and its wildlife.
The MoU also provides for collaboration in
archaeological surveys, excavations, inventorying inscriptions, documenting
intangible heritage and social history, and identifying grazing locations.
The two entities will also cooperate in producing
documentaries.
The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve,
covering an area of 91,000 sq. km, is located in the northeastern part of the
Kingdom. It is a popular destination for visitors, particularly those interested
in eco-tourism, bird watching, hiking, and similar activities.
The reserve also offers cultural experiences,
allowing visitors to interact with the local Bedouin communities, learn about
their traditional way of life, and enjoy authentic cuisine.
The reserve is one of six royal reserves in Saudi
Arabia, established in 2018 by royal order. Its main goals are the preservation,
development, and diversification of wildlife. Within the reserve, there are
villages and deserts where approximately 80,000 to 100,000 people reside.