Rangeland Carrying Capacity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Date
2022
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Abstract
The 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.
Description
This work was delivered in the framework the project UTF/SAU/051/SAU, titled 'Enhancing MoEWA's Capacity for the Implementation of the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme (SRADP). The project is jointly implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s (MoEWA’s), in strong collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combatting Desertification (NCVC).
Within the framework of the project Component 9 “Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods”, the present report attempts to highlight the results achieved estimating carrying capacity, a key factor for ensuring sustainable management of rangelands in Saudi Arabia. It includes four main chapters. The first deals with important terms and definitions relating to rangelands carrying capacity, the second deals with the selection of potential pilot sites in agreement with the General Directorate of Rangelands. These sites are of very high importance for implementing, within a context of a participative approach, the appropriate techniques for the development and sustainable management of rangelands in KSA. The third presents data and results of carrying capacity estimation based on rapid ecological assessments at selected pilot sites. The fourth provides initial conclusions and recommendations. It is important to note that these are primary results and our standing of the current and potential carrying capacity of KSA rangelands will improve over time as we obtain more data and information.
Keywords
rangelands monitoring, carrying capacity, rangeland degradation, rangeland restoration