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RIYADH: In the Neom Nature Reserve a team of dedicated �������� conservationists are steadily redefining the future of biodiversity and ecological restoration in the Kingdom.

These experts are safeguarding the area’s distinctive ecosystems and species while leading groundbreaking methods in one of the world’s most visionary environmental conservation initiatives.

Tariq Aljohany, a field restoration specialist at Neom, with experience in flora and fauna studies and familiarity with the local desert landscape, recently told Arab News about the work underway.

“I’m responsible for collecting seeds of native species across Neom. These seeds are then propagated at Neom’s Mneifa Plant Nursery, where we grow plants for active restoration efforts — reintroducing species that should be part of our landscape but have disappeared due to overgrazing and off-road driving.”

Aljohany has a deep connection to the desert and its biodiversity. “Since I was a child, my father would take me to visit these landscapes and teach me about their species and cultural value.

“Realizing that these landscapes and species were under threat made me determined to restore them to their former glory for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

Aljohany shared how he and colleagues rescued four Caralluma petraea plants before development began in Trojena.

“We brought them to the Mneifa Plant Nursery and propagated them by cuttings and seed. Now, we have a healthy population of nearly 100 plants in ex-situ conservation, ready to restore populations in Trojena.”

The reserve serves as the foundation for Neom’s commitment to protect 95 percent of its area for nature.

Under a larger initiative to restore 1.5 million hectares of habitat and revitalize vital wildlife populations, the reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses to rejuvenate the natural environment.

The reserve also plans to restore the populations of the Arabian oryx, and mountain and sand gazelles.

In the middle of this year, Neom reintroduced over 1,100 animals across six species to its reserve, a significant milestone in its mission to secure a balanced ecosystem.

Bushra Alabdulhafith, a wildlife conservation science lead at Neom, told Arab News how she was inspired to take up this work.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are of racing up great sand dunes, visiting wadis during the rainy season, or camping with my family in winter.

“Being in nature brought me peace and a sense of belonging, which fueled my goal to actively protect it,” she said.

“Every animal released, every tree planted, every small change that positively impacts the environment around us has strengthened my inspiration and commitment to this path.”

In her work, Alabdulhafith supports the Rewilding Program’s animal releases and monitoring, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, mountain gazelles, Nubian ibex, and red-neck ostriches.

“I also monitor existing wildlife in Neom through our Long-Term Monitoring Program, setting up camera traps to understand current biodiversity, including Arabian wolves, red foxes, and striped hyenas, and inform future conservation planning,” she said.

Alabdulhafith recounted how excited she was leading Neom’s first raptor-release program.

“Thanks to our partners at the Saudi Falcon Club, the Hadad Program began at the end of 2024 and continues today. We have released Barbary falcons, monitored them, and successfully recorded baby Barbary chicks hatching.”

“This is just the beginning of our work with raptors, and we aim to expand our conservation efforts to other great birds of prey,” she said.

Neom is recognized as an essential sanctuary not only for its terrestrial biodiversity but also marine megafauna, providing refuge in the Red Sea for species including dolphins, turtles, and dugongs.

Last year, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology announced a collaboration with NEOM, through the KAUST Beacon Development environmental consultancy, to enhance research and protection efforts for these distinctive species.

Environmentalists and researchers are using artificial intelligence to analyze extensive drone footage of key megafauna habitats.

This technology allows more precise and effective conservation strategies for Neom’s remarkable marine life, including humpback dolphins, dugongs, green and hawksbill turtles, sharks, and rays.

Mishari Alghurair, a marine species conservation manager at Neom, with experience of over a decade, leads a cross-functional team focusing on protecting key species.

The team’s initiatives include satellite tracking of turtles and seabirds, development of conservation plans for marine mammals, and the creation of artificial nesting habitats.

“One of our most exciting breakthroughs has been the successful implementation of artificial nesting platforms for sooty falcons and ospreys on the Neom islands

“These structures have provided safe breeding sites, leading to increased nesting success rates and population growth where natural habitats were under pressure,” he said.

Alghurair has fond memories of family trips to the Red Sea coast which strengthened his love for the environment and taught him to appreciate the Kingdom’s rich land and seas.

“It’s about turning that personal pride into meaningful action — protecting species like the sooty falcon and sea turtles and pushing the boundaries of conservation through innovation and collaboration.

“It’s rewarding to be part of a movement that’s building a legacy of environmental excellence for future generations.”
 

DUBLIN: Ireland voted Friday to elect a new president, with left-wing independent Catherine Connolly expected to beat her challenger in an election critics say failed to offer a real choice, hitting turnout.
Conservative figures urged voters to spoil their ballots in protest at the lack of right-wing options in the contest, which pitted Connolly against centrist Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys.
A slew of celebrities also considered running — including mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor, singer Bob Geldof and dancer Michael Flatley.
The winner will succeed 84-year-old Michael Higgins, who has held the post since 2011.
Polls closed at 10:00 p.m. , with a result expected late Saturday.
More than 3.6 million people were eligible to vote.
Turnout in 2018 was 44 percent but may be lower this time with many areas posting below 40 percent. Just 38 percent of the electorate voted in Dublin city, according to area statistics.
An official figure will not be known until Saturday.
Experts forecasted a low overall turnout this time because of frustration with the choice of just two candidates — a recent poll suggested 49 percent of voters did not feel represented by either of them.
Overwhelming favorite Connolly, 68, arrived by bicycle and was greeted by well-wishers before voting at a primary school in Claddagh in the west coast city of Galway.
“I had a swim this morning, that sort of calmed me down,” she told reporters.
Connolly, a lawmaker since 2016 and supported by left-wing parties including Sinn Fein, has surged ahead in opinion polls in recent weeks.
The lawyer, a critic of the United States and European Union, boosted her profile with younger voters during the campaign by appearing on popular podcasts and going viral with a video showing off her football skills.
“She’s quite inspirational, actually,” said Galway resident Orla Craven, 35, of Connolly.
“She speaks the truth, and the truth has been missing in Ireland for a long time,” said Dominic Burke, 73, a retired fireman, another Connolly supporter.
Her rival Humphreys, also in her 60s and a former cabinet minister from Ireland’s Protestant minority, has campaigned as a unifying figure.
A third candidate Jim Gavin representing the centrist Fianna Fail — the larger party in Ireland’s governing coalition with Fine Gael — remained on ballot papers because he only quit the race earlier this month.
A former military pilot and pick of Taoiseach  Micheal Martin, he eventually withdrew after a previous tenant in a property he owned said Gavin owed him thousands of euros in a debt dating to 2009.