RIYADH: Deep in the NEOM Nature Reserve, a team of Saudi conservation experts is redefining the Kingdom’s approach to biodiversity and ecological restoration. Their mission is to protect fragile ecosystems, revive endangered species, and build one of the world’s most ambitious environmental restoration projects.
Field restoration specialist Tariq Aljohany, who has spent years studying desert flora and fauna, described his role in NEOM’s restoration work. “I collect seeds from native species across NEOM,” he said. “These seeds are grown at the Mneifa Plant Nursery and later reintroduced into the landscape to replace species lost due to overgrazing and off-road driving.”
Aljohany’s passion for the desert began in childhood. “My father used to take me to these landscapes and teach me about their natural and cultural value,” he said. “When I realized how endangered these species were, I decided to dedicate my life to restoring them for future generations.”
Before development began in Trojena, Aljohany and his team rescued four Caralluma petraea plants. “We propagated them from cuttings and seeds at the Mneifa Nursery,” he said. “Now, we have around 100 healthy plants ready to be reintroduced into their natural habitat.”
The NEOM Nature Reserve is central to NEOM’s goal of protecting 95 percent of its land for nature. As part of a broader initiative to restore 1.5 million hectares of habitat, the reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses. It also plans to reestablish wildlife populations, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and mountain gazelles.
Earlier this year, NEOM marked a milestone by reintroducing more than 1,100 animals from six species into the reserve — a major step toward achieving a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem.
Wildlife conservation science lead Bushra Alabdulhafith said her childhood connection with nature inspired her work. “Some of my best memories are from camping trips and exploring wadis after the rain,” she said. “Nature gave me peace and purpose, motivating me to protect it.”
Her team leads the Rewilding Program, releasing and monitoring animals such as Arabian oryx, sand and mountain gazelles, Nubian ibex, and red-necked ostriches. “We use camera traps to monitor wildlife like Arabian wolves, red foxes, and striped hyenas,” she said. “This data helps us understand biodiversity and plan future conservation actions.”
Alabdulhafith also led NEOM’s first raptor-release program with the Saudi Falcon Club. “Through the Hadad Program, we released Barbary falcons, and now their chicks have hatched successfully,” she said. “This is just the beginning — we plan to expand our work to other birds of prey.”
Beyond its deserts and mountains, NEOM also serves as a marine sanctuary in the Red Sea, protecting dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and other marine species.
Last year, NEOM partnered with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) through the KAUST Beacon Development consultancy to advance research and conservation of marine megafauna. Environmental scientists now use artificial intelligence to analyze drone footage of key habitats, enabling more accurate strategies to protect humpback dolphins, dugongs, green and hawksbill turtles, sharks, and rays.
The NEOM Nature Reserve is home to the world’s largest coral garden, created in collaboration with KAUST, and is at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s mission to restore its natural heritage.
Marine species conservation manager Mishari Alghurair, who has over a decade of experience, leads a team dedicated to protecting marine life. “We track turtles and seabirds via satellite, design conservation plans for marine mammals, and create artificial nesting habitats,” he said.
“One of our biggest successes has been the artificial nesting platforms for sooty falcons and ospreys on NEOM’s islands,” he added. “These have provided safe breeding grounds, boosting nesting success and population growth.”
Alghurair’s childhood trips to the Red Sea inspired his lifelong passion for conservation. “Turning that love into action means protecting falcons, turtles, and all species that define our natural identity,” he said. “At NEOM, we are building a legacy of environmental excellence for generations to come.”
