Taif: Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for Wildlife Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley stressed the importance of specialized research centers in advancing and sustaining wildlife by building knowledge databases and contributing to the protection and development of biodiversity and ecosystems, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.
According to Saudi Press Agency, his remarks came during the inauguration of the Center of Excellence at the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Center for Wildlife Research in Taif Governorate. The new center represents a major upgrade in infrastructure and research capacity and is designed to support the expansion of endangered-species breeding programs, with the aim of reaching 50 programs by 2030.
During his visit, the minister inaugurated several key facilities, including the Administrative Center of Excellence, advanced research laboratories, the Houbara Bustard Breeding Center, and the visitors center. He also reviewed the center's efforts to build national capabilities through scientific and academic partnerships and cooperative training programs.
The minister was briefed on the center's future master plan, which includes establishing a comprehensive veterinary hospital and specialized enclosures for birds, mammals, reptiles, and freshwater fish. These projects are intended to attract investment and promote ecotourism, maximizing the environmental sector's contribution to social and economic development in line with Vision 2030.