Soudah Development reintroduces native ibex to restore natural ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity

• Wildlife reintroduction is a key part of Soudah Development’s nature conservation efforts in line with Vision 2030
• Initiative comes after the company announced plans to plant more than one million trees until 2030

Soudah: Saudi Arabia: December 23, 2021 – Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has successfully reintroduced a herd of native Nubian ibex into a protected area under its remit to restore natural ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity and increase population size of this endangered species.

The release of 15 Nubian ibex into a protected area marks the start of Soudah Development’s wildlife reintroduction program. The animals will spend several months in their new home before being released into the wild. Their natural habitat are rocky mountain slopes and escarpments, that abound in Soudah. The release area was carefully selected to provide the herd with a familiar natural habitat, while a 4m-high, 400m-long fence has been set up to protect them from predators and intruders.

By protecting critically endangered species of flora and fauna, Soudah Development aims to create an environment where wildlife and humankind can coexist. Putting nature-based solutions in practice falls under the Vision 2030’s sustainability agenda and will ensure that future generations can enjoy the rich biodiversity of the nation.

Husameddin AlMadani, CEO of Soudah Development, said the program reflects the company’s commitment to adopt the highest environmental sustainability standards in line with the Kingdom’s vision. Protecting wildlife is a key strategic priority. The program to release 15 ibex is the first step in a major wildlife reintroduction program that aims to increase the number of endangered animals in Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said the ibex release was a major step forward in its plans to increase the number native species and restore ecological balance. It will fulfill Vision 2030’s objectives to improve biodiversity and to preserve the environment.

“We are proud of our cooperation with Soudah Development that has allowed us to resettle a herd of mountain ibex in the Asir region, which is an area rich in natural and environmental diversity. Deciding the appropriate area came after carful assessment of the natural conditions, in order these beautiful animals with the best opportunity to adopt and flourish,” Dr. Muhammad Ali Qurban added.

The Nubian ibex is a desert-dwelling species of wild goat often found in mountainous regions. It is indigenous to Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa but the population has dwindled due to decades of human activity that has destabilized the ecosystems. To safeguard biodiversity and restore ecological balance, Soudah Development announced plans to plant more than one million trees by 2030 in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.

Soudah Development aims to develop Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to create a luxury sustainable mountain destination offering authentic and immersive experiences. With an investment exceeding SAR 11 billion, the company plans to build 2,700 hotel rooms and 1,300 residential units, as well as 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions. This will help attract more than two million tourists throughout the year by 2030, contributing SAR 29 billion towards the kingdom's cumulative GDP and providing more than 8,000 jobs by 2030.