Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development (SRAD) Project
Permanent URI for this community
Articles, reports, guidelines, manuals, national strategies and initiatives, tools and software, and other knowledge products to support effective management, development, protection, and conservation of Saudi natural resources.
News
FAO-NCVC welcomes you to this digital knowledge space. This resource is under development and more assets are being added. Please visit this site regularly to update yourself with the most recent natural resources management products. To receive notification when new resources are added, subscribe to our email notification service.
Browse
Browsing Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development (SRAD) Project by Title
Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemAl Baha Pilot NFI - Summary of Data Collection and Analysis Methodology(FAO KSA, 2024-09-13) FAO KSAThe report provides a summary of the methods and tools used for the pilot National Forest Inventory (NFI) in Al Baha region. The summary covers the conceptual consideration made in the selection of methods and tools. especially adherence to the international methods and tools developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the purpose of undertaking National Forest Inventories. The summary covers sampling design including requirement for sampling intensification in areas with higher forest cover, and the specification, details, and features for the sampling unit. Data collection and management approaches are discussed, and the process followed for specific analysis are also presented. These cover among other aspects computation of tree densities, calculation of tree basal cover and volume, and estimation of tree biomass and carbon stock.
- ItemBest Practice Criteria and Indicators for selecting and prioritizing sites for ecotourism development in National Parks(FAO NRM KSA, 2022) FAO KSAEcotourism development at the National Parks sites of Saudi Arabia is presently at an embryonic stage. Kickstarting investments and establishment of ecotourism ventures at the National Parks, will involve two proactive and innovative complementary strategies: developing guiding criteria and indicators for selecting suitable National Park sites for ecotourism development and providing investors with information on the investment opportunities at the National Parks. These strategic approaches will unlock and overcome the obstacles currently holding back the underutilized ecotourism potential in the National Parks of Saudi Arabia. This report provides a framework for selection and prioritization of sites for ecotourism development based on key criteria against which a potential site can be assessed such as the level of National Park area attractiveness in terms of natural and cultural features, the parks conducive enabling environment for promoting ecotourism ventures, the National Parks tourism carrying capacity and the existing National Parks infrastructure. This information will assist in making an objective analysis of the potential sites before the commencement of any ecotourism project. It will serve as a guiding tool for the National Parks department, National Park managers and the private investors in integrating basic sustainability standards for planning and implementing ecotourism operations
- ItemDesertification and Drought Day - Saudi Arabia 2022(National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, 2023-08-10) Dawelbait, Mona; Njeru, JeremiahNational Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organized World Desertification and Drought Day (DDD) on Thursday, 16 June 2022 at the Riyadh Fairmont Hotel. This was a special event hosted in a hybrid mode combining in-person and remote attendance through virtual participation. The event was graced by NCVC CEO Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader and FAO Programme Director Dr. Ayman Omer, among other dignitaries. The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is celebrated annually worldwide on 17 June. The theme for 2022 was “Rising up from drought together”. To commemorate the day, NCVC and FAO organized a special international workshop that brought together experiences from global and regional agencies and identified best practices, technologies, and lessons suitable for Saudi Arabia. 11 speakers made presentation on drought related topics under three themes: (i) Drought and desertification assessment and monitoring; (ii) Innovative measures for drought management; and (iii) Role of vegetation cover to reduce desertification and drought.
- ItemForestry sector review of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(FAO NRM KSA, 2021) FAO KSASaudi Arabia faces a semiarid to hyperarid climate, resulting in water scarcity and diminished vegetal cover. With only 2% of the land suitable for agriculture, the country has 2.7 million hectares of forest lands, 171 million hectares of rangelands, and 158,000 hectares of mangroves. Despite a low forest cover of 1.3%, forests play a crucial role in protecting against erosion, biodiversity preservation, carbon sequestration, water distribution, and economic, recreational, scenic, touristic, and climatic values. The Forest Sector Review (FSR) aims to analyze the sector's current state and recommend interventions aligning with KSA Vision 2030 and national and international development goals. The FSR methodology includes quantitative and qualitative data collection, stakeholder consultations, and workshops. Findings reveal challenges in staffing, technical capacity, legal frameworks, and urgent environmental concerns. Recommendations focus on human resource development, organizational capacity building, and the creation of a national forest policy to promote sustainable management, community engagement, and socio-economic development. Strategic interventions target forest cover improvement, ecosystem management, climate change adaptation, governance, enterprise enhancement, research, gender mainstreaming, and sectoral coordination, aiming to positively influence KSA's forestry development.
- ItemRange Field Survey and Assessment Manual(FAO NRM KSA, 2022) FAO KSAEffective rangeland management relies on a comprehensive understanding of the nature, structure, and extent of the rangelands. Without this knowledge, accurately estimating carrying capacity, selecting appropriate animal species, and optimizing sustainable production become challenging for range managers. Rangeland surveys, conducted at various scales depending on objectives, serve to determine the potential of the rangeland, assess current production levels, evaluate the level of use, analyze the condition and trend, identify the proper mix of animal species, explore multiple uses, and ascertain economic value. This survey manual is designed to guide the observation, assessment, and surveying of rangeland conditions, vegetation, species composition, biomass production, and carrying capacity. Developed to support the National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) in surveying Saudi Arabia's rangelands and natural resources, the manual provides a standardized methodology incorporating geospatial technology, enabling managers and technicians to collect, analyze, and interpret data for sustainable rangeland management in the Kingdom.
- ItemRangeland Carrying Capacity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(2022) FAO KSAThe ecological and socioeconomic assessment of four pilot sites in Saudi Arabia revealed significant degradation of rangelands, primarily due to overgrazing and amplified by factors like erratic droughts. To restore these ecosystems and implement a successful grazing management plan, several strategies are recommended. In areas where degradation is not irreversible, short-term protection measures can enhance plant regeneration. In more severely affected regions, reintroducing native species is essential. Improving soil quality through water harvesting and land treatments is advised. A community grazing organization process involving all stakeholders is proposed. The efficient grazing plan should align stocking rates with carrying capacity and adapt during droughts. Reviving traditional range management could be beneficial. Additionally, accompanying measures like watering points and service centers are suggested. FAO's role in strengthening rangeland management includes monitoring systems, capacity building, data management, and aligning actions with environmental initiatives. This approach aims to engage all stakeholders, focusing on rural pastoral communities and their institutions for sustainable rangeland management and supporting rural livelihoods.
- ItemRangeland Rehabilitation guideline(FAO NRM KSA, 2022) FAO KSAThe document outlines key rehabilitation techniques for Saudi Arabian rangelands, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches based on specific conditions. It covers water harvesting methods to address water waste and erosion, soil scarification for flat areas, rainwater harvesting systems, direct seeding as a cost-effective option, and the benefits and challenges of planting fodder shrubs. The document also underscores sustainable rangeland management practices, including monitoring, participatory approaches, and grazing management, with a focus on achieving long-term productivity and ecological health.
- ItemReview of National Park Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development (SRADP) Project and National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC), 2023-08-15) Kamerino, SteveThe National Parks of Saudi Arabia offer unique natural and cultural resources, with potential for ecotourism development. These parks showcase diverse landscapes, biodiversity, and historical significance. They serve as important environmental, social, and economic assets. However, despite their value, current management and ecotourism efforts are inadequate. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to enhance park management under the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Advisory Programme. The joint project aims to align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and National Environment Strategy. An assessment of the parks' status highlights critical gaps and management challenges. Recommendations include forming partnerships, integrating sustainability practices, and establishing supportive legal frameworks to ensure effective and sustainable park management and development.