The National Center for Wildlife Development affirmed the continuation of its national efforts to expand protected areas, as one of the most prominent strategic pathways to achieve the target of the 30x30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the Kingdom's terrestrial and marine environments by 2030, thereby enhancing the sustainability of natural resources and preserving biodiversity, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and national environmental initiatives.

The Center explained that the expansion of the protected areas network represents a fundamental pillar for protecting natural habitats and restoring ecosystems, in addition to preserving threatened wildlife species, and improving the efficiency of protected area management to enhance environmental balance and sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

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Increase in Protected Areas

He pointed out that the Kingdom has achieved remarkable progress in this path, as the percentage of protected areas reached 18.3% of the terrestrial environment area and 16.2% of the marine environment area, within the framework of continuous work to achieve the target of protecting 30% of natural environments by 2030. The Center explained that the expansion of protected areas achieves many environmental gains, most notably protecting natural habitats, conserving biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and sustaining natural resources, which enhances the ability of natural environments to face environmental challenges and climate change.

The National Center for Wildlife Development affirmed the continued implementation of its programs and initiatives in partnership with relevant authorities, to develop the protected areas system, expand its scope, and improve its management efficiency, thereby supporting the achievement of the 30x30 initiative targets, and enhancing the Kingdom's regional and international standing in the field of environmental protection and wildlife conservation.