Riyadh: Pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom by land were introduced to the projects, initiatives, and efforts of the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, aimed at enhancing biodiversity, restoring vegetation cover, and breeding endangered species to build a more sustainable and prosperous natural environment. The authority also distributed educational brochures to raise awareness of the importance of environmental preservation.

According to Saudi Press Agency, pilgrims were welcomed at Al-Shuqaiq in Al-Jouf Region, where more than 4,000 gifts were distributed, each reflecting the reserve's history and conservation efforts. Visitors were informed about the reserve's environmental heritage, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainable ecological stewardship.

The authority is working to preserve biodiversity by protecting natural habitats and creating a safe environment for wildlife and plant species to thrive. Its accomplishments include the planting of more than 2.4 million trees, scattering of four tons of native seeds, and the rehabilitation of 250,000 hectares of degraded habitats.

The reserve is home to over 290 documented bird species-approximately 58% of those recorded in the Kingdom-and encompasses five internationally recognized Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

Covering 130,700 square kilometers, the King Salman Reserve is the largest natural terrestrial reserve in the Middle East. It spans four administrative regions: Al-Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk.