Speaker
Description
Wetlands in arid environments provide critical biodiversity and ecosystem services despite their limited extent. Saudi Arabia lies at the convergence of major migratory flyways supporting approximately three billion migratory birds annually. However, wetlands face increasing pressures from land-use change, hydrological alteration, and industrial development.
This study presents a corporate biodiversity stewardship framework implemented within an industrial landscape and aligned with the Ramsar Convention, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 13, 14 and 15), and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The framework integrates wetland inventory and mapping, biodiversity significance assessment using 13 ecological criteria, designation of Biodiversity Protection Areas (BPAs), ecological restoration, hydrological enhancement, invasive species management, and stakeholder engagement.
By 2025, 35 BPAs had been established, including 22 wetlands supporting migratory waterbirds associated with the African–Eurasian flyway network. Monitoring indicates improved habitat quality, enhanced ecological integrity, and increased use by wetland-dependent species. Collectively, these sites support more than 400 plant species, 300 bird species, 47 mammals, 35 reptiles, and 119 invertebrate taxa.
The framework contributes directly to GBF Targets 2 (restoration), 3 (conservation areas), 5 (sustainable use), 8 (climate resilience), 14 (mainstreaming biodiversity), and 15 (corporate accountability), while advancing Ramsar’s wise-use principle and supporting climate and biodiversity objectives.
This work demonstrates how biodiversity conservation can be effectively integrated into corporate governance and operational systems, providing a replicable, science-based model for private-sector leadership in wetland conservation and restoration within arid landscapes.
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