Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), has officially joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, marking a major milestone in its efforts to conserve environmental resources, natural habitats, and biodiversity while advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the national economy.

The Kingdom’s accession reflects the NCW’s leadership in developing comprehensive plans for wetland protection, including support for scientific research, monitoring, and ecosystem conservation. The center is coordinating with national partners to implement the Convention’s provisions across the country.

By joining Ramsar, Saudi Arabia aims to identify and manage sites eligible for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and ensure their effective stewardship in line with international standards.

Wetlands are among the world’s richest ecosystems, hosting around 40% of Earth’s species and storing 30% of global carbon. They are vital for water, food, and medicine supply, energy production, climate regulation, agriculture, and ecotourism. They also serve as essential stopovers for migratory waterfowl crossing continents.

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the NCW, said: “Wetland conservation directly impacts ecological balance, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. Saudi Arabia’s accession to the Ramsar Convention is a strategic step that contributes to enhancing environmental and economic benefits.”

He reiterated the center’s commitment to global best practices in wetland conservation and rehabilitation, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is the world’s oldest international environmental treaty. It provides a global framework for national and cross-border cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. It covers various wetland types, including lakes, marshes, oases, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, and artificial sites such as reservoirs and rice fields.