Transforming 27 national parks into sustainable tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia
A strategic step towards sustainable ecotourism
In a pioneering step reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its tourism sector and protecting its natural and historical assets, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification and the Heritage Commission signed a strategic memorandum of cooperation. This agreement aims to link heritage sites with national parks, transforming them into sustainable cultural and environmental destinations. This ambitious project will contribute to enhancing cultural ecotourism, supporting comprehensive economic development, and providing rigorous protection for archaeological and heritage sites, encompassing both tangible and intangible components, throughout the Kingdom.
General context and historical background of the event
This initiative comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing a radical transformation as part of its Vision 2030, which prioritizes the tourism sector and environmental sustainability. Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been rich in breathtaking natural sites that have nurtured successive civilizations, yet the development of these sites for tourism has been limited in recent decades. With the launch of major national initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative, the urgent need to integrate environmental plans with heritage preservation efforts has become apparent. This integration ensures that the vegetation is not harmed during the development of tourism infrastructure, and it also showcases the Kingdom's rich history in a modern and sustainable way.
Details of the Memorandum of Cooperation and Service Development
The memorandum was signed in the presence of the Acting CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, Engineer Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayadah, and the CEO of the Heritage Commission, Dr. Jasser Suleiman Al-Harbash. The first phase of the project focuses on developing and fully rehabilitating 27 sites within national parks. The new model is based on providing an integrated visitor experience that includes documenting and protecting heritage assets, inventorying and registering archaeological sites, and linking them to the national registry and international nominations. The agreement also focuses on empowering local communities, supporting artisans, and creating cultural narratives that enhance the appeal of these sites to visitors.
Map of the targeted sites and their historical significance
The targeted sites are carefully selected to encompass a unique geographical and historical diversity. In the Riyadh region, five sites have been identified: Wathilan Park, Al-Ghat, Sudair, Jabalah, and North Haradhah. In Madinah, the plan includes Al-Bayda Park, Al-Afra, Jabal Radwa, Qa'a Harmah, and Al-Sahwa. The Eastern Province includes Al-Uyun Lake and Al-Ahsa National Parks, in addition to 15 heritage sites in the Asir region.
These parks gain their significance from their rich historical sites, such as the historic Jawatha Mosque in Al-Ahsa, dating back to the 7th century AH and considered one of the oldest mosques in Islam, and the Buqayq burial mounds in the Eastern Province. They also encompass the Muawiyah Dam in the Saisad Park in Taif, the Dhi Khashab Dam in Medina, the inscriptions of Shaab Al-Naghrah, the inscriptions of the Shaibana Park in Balqarn, and the Al-Jadaa site in Jabalah, making them open-air museums that blend the allure of nature with the fragrance of history.
Importance and expected impact locally, regionally and internationally
On the local level: This transformation will create new job opportunities for members of local communities, revitalize the economic cycle in peripheral areas, and enhance national awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and heritage.
On a regional level: This project consolidates the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination for ecotourism and cultural tourism in the Middle East region, providing a model to be emulated by neighboring countries on how to invest in natural resources without depleting them.
On the international level: The project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and will contribute to attracting international tourists seeking authentic and environmentally responsible travel experiences. It also paves the way for the inclusion of more Saudi sites on the World Heritage List, thus enhancing the Kingdom’s soft power globally.
