RIYADH: On the occasion of the International Day for Biodiversity, the Secretary General of the Saudi Wildlife Commission (SWC), Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Saud, called for greater cooperation from all government agencies, the private sector, and the public at large to take action against the impending loss of biological diversity in the Kingdom. “Biodiversity is our insurance for a good quality of life – fertile soils, clean air and water as well as healthy food,” he said. However, Prince Bandar emphasized that our biodiversity is threatened. “The growing needs and wants of a burgeoning population are exerting pressure on the natural resources that people have traditionally relied upon.” He said that threatened wildlife species have been captive bred and re-introduced into their natural habitats. Scientific research is being done in collaboration with experts worldwide and a National Biodiversity Strategy has also been prepared, he said. “However, the challenge of conserving biodiversity can only be met through public support and awareness,” the SWC chief said.
