North Riyadh Geo-Park in Thadiq Governorate – Management Plan 2024–2028
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FAO KSA
Abstract
This management plan outlines the approach for safeguarding and managing the North Riyadh Geo-Park in Thadiq Governorate according to international standards for protected and conserved areas. It provides a strategic five-year framework (2024–2028) to protect geological, ecological, scenic, and cultural heritage values found within the geo-park, which spans 3,221 km².
The plan emphasizes governance, capacity development, stakeholder engagement, geo-education, biodiversity conservation, and geo-tourism development. It also identifies major management issues, threats, and required interventions. Implementation responsibilities rest with NCVC, the Saudi Geo-Parks Unit, the National Parks Department, and Thadiq National Park management.
Description
The report presents a comprehensive management plan developed through a participatory process involving NCVC, FAO experts, local authorities, and community representatives. It includes detailed assessments of geological formations, biodiversity, cultural heritage sites, scenic landscapes, and socio-economic contexts of Thadiq Governorate. The plan sets out management programmes, action plans, and monitoring frameworks aimed at enhancing conservation, supporting sustainable tourism, and improving local community engagement.
It further documents stakeholder mapping, geo-site inventories, water resources, sand dune systems, cave networks, valley ecosystems, and heritage structures such as Al Jeraissy Castle and Al Maqrab Tower. Implementation modalities, governance structures, and risk mitigation measures are also presented.
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Kamerino S. et al. 2024. North Riyadh Geo-Park in Thadiq Governorate. Management Plan 2024-2028. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, FAO-KSA.