Riyadh to host second Human Capability Initiative Conference

RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals have been released into Riyadh’s King Khalid Royal Reserve under the Kingdom’s rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife.

The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve.

Also, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park.

The birth was documented by a team from the NCVC, allowing specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, according to a separate SPA report.

Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s it has collaborated with international organizations to save the species from extinction.

Efforts have included establishing reserves such as the Mahazat As-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma’arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction.

JEDDAH: Ayman Salem Ghulam, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, was elected on Wednesday as the World Meteorological Organization’s regional chairperson for Asia.

He was chosen during the 18th session of the WMO’s Regional Association II — Asia by representatives of member states and bodies specializing in meteorology and climate services.

After his selection was confirmed, Ghulam highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to efforts to improve meteorological and climate services, and address urgent environmental challenges in Asia and worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom plans to introduce training programs and professional qualifications for people working in the field, and improve forecasting and monitoring infrastructure to benefit all members of the WMO, he added.

The Saudi National Center for Meteorology, which uses advanced atmospheric and climate-monitoring technologies for weather research and forecasting, was established in 2019. The World Meteorological Organization is a specialized UN agency responsible for promoting international cooperation on weather and climate-related activities.