Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — A large number of people, especially lovers of nature, thronged the pavilion of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve (KARR) at the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2021, which concluded on Sunday.

The exhibition was held at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, from Oct. 1 to 10.

KARR’s participation contributed to the dissemination of the culture of afforestation and the development of vegetation cover, by offering more than 3,000 plant seedlings to visitors of the pavilion, as an extension of the reserve’s initiatives to plant 500,000 seedlings over seven stages, the first of which began in April this year and ended with the cultivation of 100,000 seedlings.

It’s afforestation drive aims to preserve endangered plants, reproduce them through cultivation, and rehabilitate degraded vegetation sites with the aim of reducing the effects of desertification and restoring biodiversity in natural environments.

In its pavilion, KARR showcased the diversity of wildlife, vegetation and terrain in the reserve, which includes a number of animals of the Arabian Peninsula, foremost of which are the Arabian Oryx, the Reem deer, the Arabian wolf, eagle and the sand cat, in addition to the diversity of plants such as harmel, lavender, astragalus, acacia and Sidr, apart from a variety of environmental terrains such as gardens, valleys, deserts and hills.

The Reserve’s participation in the exhibition came within the framework of its role in consolidating a culture of interest in biodiversity and ecological balance, and its contribution to combating climate change and reducing desertification through the development of vegetation cover and the protection and preservation of wild animals from extinction.

During the event, KARR focused on enhancing awareness about the importance of the Kingdom’s natural wealth, and the impact of developing nature reserves on preserving wildlife and ensuring its sustainability in order to improve the quality of life and achieve environmental sustainability, in accordance with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

KARR is one of the seven reserves established by a royal order, and it has an independent administrative body under the chairmanship of Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Naif. The reserve includes Rawdat Al-Khafs, Tanahat, Noura, Al-Haqqa, part of the Samman plateau and the Dahna desert, which are territories that boast of rich historical heritage.

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority had launched the visual identity of the reserve in the context of the development plan to enhance its performance, under the supervision and follow-up of Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saud Bin Naif, who is also chairman of the Board of Directors of the authority.

KARR is a natural reserve located in the Riyadh region in an area covering 15700 square kilometers. It was established in June 2018. The reserve includes within its borders Tanhat nursery, which is the largest in the Kingdom in terms of area. Its neighborhood is a natural environment suitable for the habitat of wild animals and plants, and is protected from hunting, overgrazing and logging.

The third edition of the Falcons and Hunting Exhibition was the largest of its kind in the world that accommodated pavilions for hunting guns, different kinds of falcons, arts and family interaction, shooting ranges, the Saudi village, and a corner for the future falconer, in addition to a digital museum, and many surprises and accompanying events.

The event hosted major local and international companies specialized in the manufacture of hunting weapons that were offered for sale. The visitors had also the opportunity to buy weapons and ammunition, and apply for a license to carry or acquire a weapon license.

The event also included an arts sector where 29 elite artists and talented craftsmen from 10 countries participated to display their paintings and creative models.