Extension of the deadline for correcting the status of wildlife in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Wildlife Development in Saudi Arabia has announced an extension to the grace period for the third phase of its initiative to regulate the possession and ownership of unlicensed wildlife by individuals. The new deadline is June 30, instead of the end of May. This extension comes in response to numerous requests from beneficiaries for additional time to complete the documentation of their ownership through the "Fitri" electronic platform.
General context and objectives of the national initiative
This initiative falls within the broader national efforts led by the Kingdom to protect the environment and biodiversity, which are a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The National Center for Wildlife Development was established as part of this comprehensive strategy, with the aim of regulating wildlife-related activities and ensuring their sustainability. The corrective measures initiative aims to create an accurate and comprehensive database of wildlife held by individuals and facilities, and to regulate their possession, harboring, and breeding, thereby curbing indiscriminate and illegal practices that threaten local ecosystems and contribute to the illicit trade in endangered animals.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
Locally, this regulation contributes to raising environmental awareness among community members and ensures the provision of appropriate housing and healthcare standards for wildlife, thus preserving the rights of owners and protecting animals simultaneously. Regionally and internationally, these measures enhance the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in environmental conservation and the implementation of international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora. By regulating the local market, the Kingdom effectively contributes to global efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade, which is the third largest illicit trade in the world after drugs and weapons.
Details of the stages and target groups
This third phase builds upon the success of the first two phases in regulating commercial establishments, breeding and housing centers, private collections, and falconry. The current phase focuses specifically on individuals who own wild animals, the largest segment of the population requiring intensive regulation. The center urged all individual owners to take advantage of this extended grace period and register their wild animals through the “Fitri” platform to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to the protection of the Kingdom’s natural resources.
