Six Saudi Nature Reserves Added to IUCN Green List

Six nature reserves in Saudi Arabia have been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, recognising sites that meet international standards for conservation, biodiversity protection and management.

The reserves include Ibex Reserve, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Uruq Bani Maarid Reserve, Sharaan Nature Reserve and Farasan Islands Reserve.

The selected sites span a range of ecosystems. Ibex Reserve is home to mountainous habitats supporting the Arabian ibex and diverse plant and animal species, while King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is among the region’s largest protected areas and includes multiple Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas.

King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve features meadows, floodplains and varied ecosystems, while Uruq Bani Maarid Reserve lies on the edge of the Rub’ Al Khali desert and is also Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site.

Sharaan Nature Reserve, located in AlUla, includes distinctive rock formations and conservation initiatives, while Farasan Islands Reserve supports marine ecosystems, mangroves and species such as the Farasan gazelle.

The IUCN Green List recognises protected areas that demonstrate effective management, measurable conservation outcomes and long-term sustainability.