Saudi Arabia to Host 10th IUCN ROWA Regional Conservation Forum

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife, will host the 10th Regional Conservation Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) from September 9 to 11, 2024, in Riyadh. The event, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, will bring together over 200 specialists and experts from across West Asia to address shared environmental challenges and develop conservation strategies.

Context and Background

The IUCN Regional Conservation Forum is held every four years and serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration among IUCN members in West Asia. It provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and expertise, addressing shared environmental challenges, and developing effective conservation strategies. This year’s forum is particularly significant as it will serve as a preparatory meeting for regional participation in the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.

Saudi Arabia’s selection as host reflects its growing leadership in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection. The event will be attended by Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Wildlife, and Razan Al Mubarak, President of the IUCN. Their presence underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to global environmental stewardship.

Key Details

The forum will convene over 200 specialists and experts representing IUCN members from the West Asia region, officials from the IUCN ROWA, and several stakeholders in Saudi Arabia. Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation among members to preserve biodiversity and address regional environmental challenges.

The event will also highlight Saudi Arabia’s initiatives under Vision 2030, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and protect natural habitats. These initiatives align with the forum’s objectives of promoting sustainable conservation practices.

Implications and Impact

Hosting this forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional leader in environmental conservation. It provides a platform for the Kingdom to showcase its progress in biodiversity protection and sustainable development, while also learning from international best practices. The outcomes of the forum will feed into the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, shaping global conservation strategies.

Furthermore, the event strengthens diplomatic ties and fosters collaboration among West Asian countries, promoting stability and shared environmental goals. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and enhance its international standing through environmental leadership.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This forum directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in the areas of environmental sustainability and economic diversification. By hosting international events and leading conservation efforts, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future and its role as a responsible global citizen. The National Center for Wildlife’s efforts in organizing this forum exemplify the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving natural heritage for future generations.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum?

A1. The IUCN Regional Conservation Forum is a quadrennial event that brings together IUCN members from West Asia to discuss conservation strategies, share expertise, and prepare for the IUCN World Conservation Congress.

Q2. When and where will the 10th IUCN ROWA Regional Conservation Forum take place?

A2. The forum will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 9 to 11, 2024.

Q3. Who is hosting the forum?

A3. The forum is hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Wildlife.

Q4. How many participants are expected at the forum?

A4. Over 200 specialists and experts from IUCN members in West Asia, IUCN ROWA officials, and Saudi stakeholders are expected to attend.

Q5. Who are the key figures attending the forum?

A5. Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the National Center for Wildlife, and Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President, will attend.

Q6. What is the significance of hosting this forum in Saudi Arabia?

A6. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q7. What is the main objective of the forum?

A7. The forum aims to foster collaboration among IUCN members, address shared environmental challenges, and develop effective conservation strategies.

Q8. How does the forum relate to the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress?

A8. It serves as a preparatory meeting for regional participation in the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.

Q9. What is the National Center for Wildlife?

A9. The National Center for Wildlife is a Saudi government agency responsible for wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection in the Kingdom.

Q10. What are some Saudi initiatives related to conservation?

A10. The Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative are key programs aimed at combating climate change and protecting natural habitats.

Q11. How does the forum promote regional cooperation?

A11. It provides a platform for West Asian countries to exchange ideas, share expertise, and collaborate on conservation efforts.

Q12. What is the role of IUCN ROWA?

A12. The IUCN Regional Office for West Asia supports IUCN members in the region, facilitating conservation actions and policy development.

Q13. What are the expected outcomes of the forum?

A13. The forum will produce recommendations and strategies that will contribute to the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress and guide regional conservation efforts.

Q14. How does the forum align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A14. It supports Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability goals by promoting conservation and showcasing Saudi leadership in global environmental initiatives.

Q15. What is the history of the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum?

A15. The forum has been held every four years since its inception, serving as a key event for IUCN members to collaborate on conservation priorities.

Q16. How many IUCN members are in West Asia?

A16. IUCN has numerous members in West Asia, including government agencies and non-governmental organizations dedicated to conservation.

Q17. What are the key environmental challenges in West Asia?

A17. Challenges include desertification, water scarcity, habitat loss, and climate change impacts, which the forum will address.

Q18. How can the public participate in conservation efforts?

A18. The public can support conservation by engaging in sustainable practices, volunteering with environmental organizations, and raising awareness.

Q19. What is the significance of the forum being held in Riyadh?

A19. Riyadh’s hosting highlights Saudi Arabia’s central role in regional environmental diplomacy and its commitment to sustainable development.

Q20. Where can one find more information about the forum?

A20. More information is available through the Saudi Press Agency and the official websites of the National Center for Wildlife and IUCN ROWA.

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