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The NCWCD, according to
its Royal Decree of establishment is required to "Develop
and implement plans to preserve wildlife in its natural ecology
and to propose the establishment of proper protected areas and
reserves for wildlife in the Kingdom, and to manage such areas…."
In accordance with this mandate, the Commission strives to protect,
conserve, and develop the wildlife resources in terms of the laws
of Saudi Arabia, and the welfare of its people. |
Goals of the Commission
The third article of the Commission's by-laws issued by the Royal
decree which established it, states that "The Commission
shall be mainly concerned with the preservation, protection and
development of wildlife, carrying out biological research and
applying the results to ensure an ecological balance including
but not limited to:
- Encouraging and carrying out scientific
research in different fields of life science especially in
wildlife ecology.
- Urging public interest in ecological
aspects of wildlife, and to seek proper solutions to problems
through meetings, symposia and conferences attended by concerned
specialists.
- Carrying out comprehensive surveys
of available data and results of research, concerning wildlife
and natural ecology in Saudi Arabia, gained from materials
published in both national and international references.
- Developing and implementing plans
and projects to preserve and maintain wildlife in their natural
ecology by establishing protected areas and reserves in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in additional to the execution of
orders and regulations regarding such areas and projects.
- Co-operating with different ministries,
authorities, national and international institutions and individuals
and acts to be taken in pursuance to the planned purposes of
the Center.
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The Commission has a Board of Governors consisting of:
His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince,
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, Inspector
General, and Head of Coordination Committee of Environment
Protection. Head of NCWCD Board of Governors. |
His Royal Highness Prince Meta'ab Bin Abdulaziz , Minister
of Municipalities and Rural Affairs. |
His Royal Highness Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz, Minister of
Interior. |
His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Governor
of Riyadh Region. |
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Governor of
Makkah Region. |
His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al-Faisal Minister of Foreign
Affairs |
His Royal Highness Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz,
President of Meteorology and Environment Protection |
His Excellency Dr Fahd bin Abdulrahman bin Sulaiman Balghunaim
, Minister of Agriculture, Executive Director of NCWCD. |
His Excellency Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al-Nuaimy, Minister of Petroleum
and Mineral Resources. |
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Suwaiyel , President
of King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology. |
His Highness Prince Bander Bin Saud Bin Mohammad Al Saud
, Secretary General of NCWCD |
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NCWCD AND CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY |
Islamic teachings maintain that nothing has been created without
value and purpose; all creatures are signs of the Creator and glorify
Him in unique ways, and all have been given roles by which they
contribute to the common good. Hence man in his role as steward
on the earth is obliged to conserve them in all their forms. The
biological diversity of living natural resources are affected by
various types of physical development. As elsewhere in the world,
this gives rise to considerable pressure on local ecosystems and
the variety of species they harbor. However, the Kingdom has recognized
this threat and it taking appropriate steps to ensure that the
natural environment is not overexploited, damaged, or degraded
and is offered the highest possible protection. In this regard
the Commission acts as the custodian over the integrity o the biodiversity
of the Kingdom, by virtue of its mandate. |
NCWCD SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION |
With sensible management, the viability
of natural systems can be vitalized and their productivity enhanced
as the basis for sustainable development and reinforcing the durability
of the national economy.
The Saudi Arabia legal system subscribes to the Shari'ah which is both a state
and religious law and provides a solid foundation for sustainable development
based on the wise use of all natural resources. It stresses the importance of
conserving renewal resources, and man's responsibility in using them to generate
the greatest good over time. Although man has the right to use these resources,
he is not permitted to abuse them. He is required to pass them on to future generations
in an unimpaired condition. In formulating its conservation policies the Commission
follows the social, economic and ecological wisdom of this philosophy. |
NCWCD WILDLIFE MONITORING AND
RESEARCH |
The Commission recognizes the
need for requiring a wide range of reliable ecological and socio-economic
data to determine the ecological imperatives for sound resource
conservation and development. The collection, analysis, evaluation
and storage of the necessary information's part of the scientific
backup that the Commission has developed. To ensure that his
programme retains its cost-effectiveness, the Commission has
a tightly controlled scientific program with carefully selected
priorities to fulfill its mandate. The program's efficiency is
ensured by using the simplest possible techniques, supported
by the use of the latest technological facilities and by avoiding
the duplication of work. Three research centers were established
to carry on these programs. |
NCWCD AND SPECIES CONSERVATION |
The Commission has developed a very successful captive breeding
program for several of its rare and endangered species. It has
a national strategy for captive breeding and reintroduction of
these species. Successful reintroduction's have taken place in
several protected areas. From a founder population of 54 the Arabian
Oryx now numbers approximately 350, while the total herd of the
three gazelle species is well over 800 individuals. Problems during
the early stages of the captive breeding of houbara have been overcame.
Through a process of artificial insemination and natural breeding
a fertility level of over 80% is being maintained, and advances
in the husbandry of the chicks are also paying dividends. During
the 1993 season more than 300 chicks have been successfully raised
and many of them were released into protected areas. |
NCWCD AND PUBLIC AWARENESS |
| The Commission has launched an aggressive public awareness program
in the Kingdom with the production of diverse educational materials.
It has produced TV documentaries on conservation related topic. Brochures
and posters are also developed on an ongoing basis. A permanent exhibition
on the wildlife of the Kingdom is housed at the Visitor's Centre,
located at the Commission's headquarters in Riyadh. The Commission
has a well stocked library which also houses more than 200 internal
reports on various research projects and its own publication son
conservation - related issues. It also maintain a large audio-visual
library with copies of video and audio cassettes and photographic
slides. Lists of these materials are made available on request to
other conservation organizations and agencies. |
NCWCD AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION |
Environmental issues and the management strategies
required for their resolution transgress political boundaries.
The Commission therefore places high importance on international
cooperation. The Commission maintains ties with several international
conservation agencies and NGO's in seeking solutions to common
problems. With the IUCN the Commission has an especially rewarding
relationship. It also shares information and experience on an international
basis, and with joint ventures strives for the protection of the
reliance and sustainability of the global environment. |
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