The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced the addition of two sites, “Northern Riyadh Geopark” and “Salma Geopark,” to its Global Geoparks Network. This move highlights Saudi Arabia’s role in preserving geological heritage and promoting sustainable development.
This announcement follows precise criteria set by the international organization, which includes comprehensive management of globally significant geological areas that combines protection, education, and sustainable development while emphasizing the involvement of local communities.
Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Desertification Control, expressed pride in this prominent international achievement. He considered it a global recognition of the national efforts made to protect the natural and historical heritage of the Kingdom, thanks to the unwavering support from the wise leadership towards empowering the environmental sector to enhance environmental sustainability and protect natural heritage.
Dr. Al-Abdulkader stressed the center’s significant efforts in conserving the Kingdom’s unique natural environment, especially in geological sites, which directly contribute to achieving the Kingdom’s goals within the Vision 2030 program for sustainable development.
Engineer Hussam bin Zuhair Al-Turki, Director of the Saudi Geopark Initiative, emphasized that the inclusion of “Northern Riyadh Geopark” and “Salma Geopark” enhances pride and belonging to Saudi cultural and natural identity. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to leading in preserving geological heritage, supporting sustainable development in all its aspects, and is a significant milestone in environmental initiatives that align with global sustainability trends and natural resource protection.
Through this step, the Kingdom commits to contributing to international efforts to protect the environment and raise environmental awareness. These sites will provide opportunities for local and international visitors to explore the Kingdom’s unique geological heritage, enhance scientific and cultural understanding of the importance of preserving geological diversity.
Geoparks offer the Kingdom an opportunity to provide a leading model in sustainable natural resource management by linking geological tourism to local development, providing employment and education opportunities for local communities.
This model relies on collaboration between different sectors, including government, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, to achieve sustainable development goals at the national and international levels.
