The Kingdom's commitment to the conservation, protection and development of the wildlife population (including both marine and terrestrial life) is illustrated in the functions of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, established by Royal Decree, dated 12/9/1406:

• To encourage and carry out scientific research in different fields of biology, with special emphasis on the plant and animal life of Saudi Arabia.
• To promote public interest in the environmental issues related to the wildlife of Saudi Arabia, and to seek proper solutions to problems through organizing meetings, symposia and conferences.
• To develop and implement plans and projects drawn up to preserve wildlife in its natural environment and to propose the establishment of protected areas and reserves for wildlife in the Kingdom, and execute relevant laws and regulations.

The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development which was established in 1986 (1406 AH) has so far created 14 wildlife natural reserves. These constitute approximately 2.5% of the total area of the country. There are plans for the creation of 103 such areas in the coming years.

Source: The Saudi Arabia Information Resource