Saudi Arabia

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Western AsiaApplies through 2030Source: Draft National Comprehensive Framework for Biodiversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Draft National Comprehensive Framework for Biodiversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

1. Overview

The Draft National Comprehensive Framework for Biodiversity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — introduced here as Saudi Arabia's national biodiversity strategy and action plan (submitted as its National Comprehensive Framework for Biodiversity) and referred to throughout this page as "the Framework" — was developed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (وزارة البيئة والمياه والزراعة). It updates the Kingdom's original National Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation (2005) and is presented for adoption; no Council of Ministers resolution number or adoption date appears in the document [§1][§3].

The Framework organises its commitments under four thematic groups (labeled a–d), which align broadly with but are not identical to the GBF's Goals A–D.* These four groups contain 22 national commitments for 2030, developed through a multi-stakeholder process overseen by the National Centre for Wildlife Development with technical support from UNEP's Regional Office for West Asia [§121].† The Framework is framed as fulfilling Saudi Arabia's obligations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), integrated with Vision 2030 across all three of its pillars, and built on CBD membership since 2001 [§3].

Two of the 22 commitments carry measurable thresholds and deadlines — 30% of degraded ecosystems under restoration and 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal areas protected, both by 2030. Both are delivered primarily through the Saudi Green Initiative, which also constitutes the Framework's primary instrument for climate-biodiversity integration. Protected areas operate across three legally distinct governance tiers, the largest of which — the Royal Reserves estate — covers approximately 14.4% of national territory under a Crown Prince-chaired council established by Royal Order [§66].

Saudi Arabia's Framework presents 22 national commitments organised under four thematic groups, anchored in two measurable 30% targets — for ecosystem restoration and protected areas — delivered primarily through the Saudi Green Initiative. The protected areas system operates across three legally distinct governance tiers, of which the Royal Reserves estate alone covers 14.4% of national territory under Crown Prince-chaired oversight. The Framework is presented as a draft pending formal adoption.

*Saudi Arabia organizes its commitments under four thematic groups (labeled a–d), which align broadly with but are not identical to the GBF's Goals A–D. †The Framework designates these as "national objectives"; this page uses the KMGBF canonical term "national commitments" for cross-country comparability.

Sources:

§1 — Draft National Comprehensive Framework > Cover / Status
§3 — Draft National Comprehensive Framework > Introduction
§66 — Royal Reserves
§121 — National Targets and Objectives

2. Ecological Context

Saudi Arabia's territory spans 65 distinct ecosystems [§4][§38], from the juniper (Juniperus procera) and wild olive (Olea europaea) forests of the south-western highlands to arid plateaus, the Najd Plateau, and the Empty Quarter (الربع الخالي). Rangelands — sandy plains, arid plateaus, and desert environments covered by scattered grasses and low-density shrubs — extend over 146 million hectares, representing 73% of national area [§38].

The Red Sea hosts approximately 359 hard coral species and around 40 soft coral species, with reef systems the Framework describes as possessing a capacity to withstand rising temperatures not replicated in other regions [§38]. Seagrass beds record 12 species in the Red Sea, and two mangrove species — black mangrove (Avicennia marina) and red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) — line the Red Sea coast [§38]. The Arabian Gulf, by contrast, supports only a limited number of hard coral species, concentrated around offshore islands [§38].

Terrestrial wildlife includes 79 mammal species, 551 recorded bird species (including the Asir Magpie, Pica asirensis, endemic to Saudi Arabia's highlands and found nowhere else on Earth [§41]), 85 reptile species, and 7 amphibian species of which 4 are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula [§42]. Marine fish total 1,280 recorded species across both seas; invertebrates number approximately 7,371 recorded species [§43][§44]. Wild plants number 2,247 species, with the south-western highlands the most species-rich zone [§39].

A cave and cavern survey programme across more than 72 sites yielded 63 cheetah specimens — including 5 complete mummified specimens — constituting the first definitive physical documentation of the cheetah's historical presence in the Arabian Peninsula. Carbon-14 dating placed the oldest specimen at approximately 4,223 years old, indicating a continuous presence spanning more than four millennia [§93].

National Red Lists following IUCN criteria have been completed for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds [§97]. No Red List assessment for the 2,247 wild plant species or the 1,280 marine fish species is mentioned in the Framework.

Sources:

§4 — Status of Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the Kingdom
§38–§45 — Diversity of Ecosystems, Flora, and Fauna
§93 — First Physical Documentation of the Cheetah in the Kingdom
§97 — Assessment of Wildlife Species Status at the National Level

3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

The Framework's 22 national commitments are organised under four thematic groups. Two carry measurable thresholds and deadlines; the remaining 20 are directional aspirations.

Thematic Group (a): Preserving Biodiversity and Ecosystems in a Sustainable Manner

National commitment 1 — Participatory frameworks for areas important for biodiversity The Framework commits to developing participatory frameworks for conservation of areas important for biodiversity and incorporating those areas into land and sea use plans, achieving sustainable management involving all relevant stakeholders [§122]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 1 (spatial planning) and GBF Target 14 (mainstreaming). Directional aspiration: no quantified threshold or deadline is set.

National commitment 2 — 30% of degraded ecosystems under effective restoration by 2030 The Framework commits to ensuring that 30% of total degraded ecosystem area is subject to effective restoration and rehabilitation programmes by 2030, including identifying and prioritising all degraded ecosystems and achieving the targets of the Saudi Green Initiative [§123]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 2 (ecosystem restoration). Measurable commitment: explicit 30% threshold with 2030 deadline. Delivery rests primarily on the Saudi Green Initiative (see flex section below). Indicators include extent of change in natural ecosystem area and rate of land conversion [§154].

National commitment 3 — 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal areas protected by 2030 The Framework commits to protecting 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal ecosystems by 2030 through an integrated and interconnected network of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures [§124]. Saudi Arabia embedded this commitment in the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, before its adoption at COP15 in December 2022 [§124]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 3 (30x30). Measurable commitment: explicit 30% threshold with 2030 deadline. A two-phase roadmap sets interim milestones; by end-2025, terrestrial coverage reached 18.1% (from 4.56% in 2016) and marine/coastal coverage reached 16.3% (from 3.76%). Indicators track coverage of terrestrial protected areas, marine and coastal protected areas, and other effective area-based conservation measures [§154].

National commitment 4 — Reduce threat levels for known threatened species The Framework commits to reducing threat levels for known threatened species and limiting negative impacts on those species, through conservation status assessments using IUCN criteria, national action plans addressing threats, captive breeding and release programmes, and mainstreaming biodiversity values in development sectors [§126][§127]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 4 (species recovery). Directional aspiration: direction specified but no numerical recovery target.

Thematic Group (b): Addressing Direct and Indirect Pressures and Threats

National commitment 5 — Limit and combat invasive alien species The Framework commits to limiting the spread of invasive alien species, combating them, mitigating their impacts, and limiting introduction pathways, including through the completed National Plan for the Management of Invasive Alien Species and cooperation with customs, quarantine, and port authorities [§127]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 6 (invasive alien species). Directional aspiration: no quantified threshold for reduction.

National commitment 6 — Reduce pollution risks by 2030 The Framework commits to reducing pollution risks from all sources and their negative impacts, including cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services, by 2030, through identifying fragile and critical ecosystems and pollutant sources and implementing national action plans [§128]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 7 (pollution reduction). Directional aspiration: 2030 deadline set but no quantified reduction threshold.

National commitment 7 — Reduce climate change impacts on biodiversity The Framework commits to reducing climate change impacts on biodiversity, ensuring continuity of monitoring, and strengthening ecosystem resilience through species restoration, ecosystem rehabilitation, and nature-based solutions, integrated with national adaptation and mitigation plans [§129][§130]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 8 (climate and biodiversity). Directional aspiration: no biodiversity-specific quantified threshold; the carbon emission reduction target (130 million tonnes annually by 2030) belongs to the Saudi Green Initiative as a delivery instrument.

National commitment 8 — Sustainable management of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries The Framework commits to sustainable management of areas under agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries, reducing negative impacts on biodiversity and transitioning toward sustainable practices including smart technology [§130]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 10 (agriculture/forestry). Directional aspiration: no quantified sector-specific threshold.

National commitment 9 — Transition toward sustainable use patterns The Framework commits to transitioning toward sustainable use patterns of natural resources and biodiversity components, targeting "transformative change in the behaviours of citizens and stakeholders, from the individual and the private sector to the civil sector, to abandon exploitative practices of natural resources and biodiversity" [§132]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 16 (sustainable consumption). Directional aspiration: directional, no threshold.

National commitment 10 — Integrate biodiversity values into urban planning The Framework commits to integrating biodiversity values into urban planning and expanding green and blue spaces in urban areas in a sustainable manner, linked to the Kingdom's smart and sustainable city transformation [§134]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 12 (urban biodiversity). Directional aspiration: the Riyadh Green Project's instrument-level figures (7.5 million trees; green space from 1.5% to 9.1%) are not national-level thresholds under this commitment.

National commitment 11 — Establish biosafety capacities The Framework commits to establishing and strengthening biosafety capacities and implementing biosafety protocols covering all aspects of handling living modified organisms and the Kingdom's obligations under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety [§136]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 17 (biosafety). Directional aspiration: milestone-based (legislation drafting, laboratory establishment) but no quantified outcome threshold.

Thematic Group (c): Sustainable Use, Ecosystem Services, and Benefit-Sharing

National commitment 12 — Maximise benefits from ecosystem services The Framework commits to maximising social and economic benefits from ecosystem services and strengthening nature-based solutions, emphasising restoration and maintenance of ecosystem functions including air and water quality, climate regulation, soil safety, pollination, and disaster risk reduction [§136]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 11 (ecosystem services/NbS). Directional aspiration: "maximising" is directional, no quantified threshold.

National commitment 13 — Sustainable use and combating overexploitation The Framework commits to sustainable use of ecosystems and wild species, combating overexploitation and illegal practices, including activating regulations on illegal fishing, logging, and grazing [§137]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Targets 5 and 9 (sustainable harvest; wild species use). Directional aspiration: no quantified threshold.

National commitment 14 — Develop ABS legislative frameworks The Framework commits to developing national legislative frameworks for access to genetic resources and fair and equitable benefit-sharing, including digital sequence information (DSI) and associated traditional knowledge, aligned with the Nagoya Protocol [§138]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 13 (genetic resources/ABS). Directional aspiration: two laws in preparation; no quantified benefit-sharing threshold.

Thematic Group (d): Enabling Environment for Implementation

National commitment 15 — Full mainstreaming across development sectors The Framework commits to fully mainstreaming biodiversity conservation values into decision-making, policies, strategies, and plans across all development sectors — including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, finance, tourism, health, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, mining, and deep mining — and progressively aligning all activities with the Framework's objectives and the SDGs [§139]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 14 (mainstreaming). Directional aspiration: "full mainstreaming" is directional; the Framework acknowledges mainstreaming was weak during the previous strategy period.

National commitment 16 — Enabling environment for business-sector partnerships The Framework commits to developing an enabling environment for partnerships with the business and private sector, including incentives, environmental responsibility development, and sustainable innovation [§141]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 15 (business disclosure). Directional aspiration: no quantified partnership target.

National commitment 17 — Enhance positive incentives; reduce harmful subsidies The Framework commits to inventorying all subsidies and incentives harmful to biodiversity, assessing their impacts, classifying them by national priority, and designing national plans for their elimination, while introducing positive incentives for activities that protect or restore biodiversity [§143]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 18 (harmful subsidies). Directional aspiration: commits to "gradual reduction" with no quantified phase-out amount or firm phase-out deadline.

National commitment 18 — Increase financial resources from all sources The Framework commits to increasing biodiversity financing from governmental sources, blended financing with private sector participation, and innovative mechanisms including green bonds, biodiversity bonds, and biodiversity credits [§145]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation). Directional aspiration: financial assessments and a national mobilisation strategy are to be developed by 2026; no budget figure is committed.

National commitment 19 — Develop national capacities and facilitate technology access The Framework commits to developing a national strategy for capacity-building targeting all entities concerned with biodiversity, and directing academic and research institutions to fill scientific gaps [§146]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 20 (capacity and technology). Directional aspiration: no quantified capacity threshold.

National commitment 20 — Ensure availability of best biodiversity data and knowledge The Framework commits to establishing a centralised national platform for biodiversity data and information integrated with tools for geographical and statistical analysis, alongside a national biodiversity data strategy [§148]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 21 (data and information). Directional aspiration: no quantified coverage or accessibility threshold.

National commitment 21 — Enhance communication, awareness, and education The Framework commits to formulating a national strategy for communication, education, and environmental awareness for biodiversity conservation [§149]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 21 (data and information) and GBF Target 22 (inclusive participation). Directional aspiration: no quantified awareness threshold.

National commitment 22 — Strengthen community participation in decision-making The Framework commits to developing FPIC (free, prior, and informed consent) mechanisms and a participation framework for local communities across all stages of biodiversity planning and management [§166][§172]. GBF Target alignment: GBF Target 22 (inclusive participation) and GBF Target 23 (gender equality). Directional aspiration: no quantified participation threshold.

Sources:

§122–§149 — National Targets and Objectives (all commitment descriptions)
§154, §155, §166 — National Action Plan indicators

The Saudi Green Initiative: From Climate Programme to Biodiversity Framework

The Saudi Green Initiative (Mubadarat al-Sa'udiyyah al-Khadra'), launched in 2021, is the primary delivery vehicle for the Framework's two measurable national commitments — 30% ecosystem restoration (national commitment 2) and 30% protected area coverage (national commitment 3). It also drives delivery across national commitments 7 (climate-biodiversity), 8 (agriculture and land), 10 (urban biodiversity), and 16 (sustainable use) [§61][§113][§124].

The Initiative centres on three headline objectives: reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030 (a 50% reduction from fossil fuels), planting 10 billion trees across the Kingdom (equivalent to rehabilitating 74 million hectares of land), and raising the proportion of protected areas to 30% of total terrestrial, marine, and coastal area [§61]. By end-2024, the Initiative had planted more than 95 million trees, rehabilitated 111,000 hectares of degraded land, reintroduced more than 1,660 threatened animals into protected areas, and launched 17 new renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 13.76 GW [§61].

The Saudi Green Initiative pre-dates the KMGBF's adoption of the 30x30 target at COP15 (December 2022); the Framework explicitly notes that the 30% protected-area commitment was embedded in the Initiative in 2021 [§124]. This positions the Initiative as both a climate programme and the structural vehicle through which the Framework's most quantified biodiversity targets are being delivered — a relationship the Framework addresses directly by mapping multiple national commitments to Saudi Green Initiative workstreams [§113].

At the regional scale, the Middle East Green Initiative (Mubadarat al-Sharq al-Awsat al-Akhdar), also launched in 2021 and led by Saudi Arabia, targets planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East, reclaiming 200 million hectares of degraded land regionally, and reducing regional carbon emissions by 10% of global totals, with up to USD 2.5 billion allocated for its establishment, governance, and projects [§62]. The Framework frames Saudi Arabia's role in the Middle East Green Initiative as that of regional coordinator, not solely a national actor.

Sources:

§61 — Saudi Green Initiative
§62 — Middle East Green Initiative
§113 — National Priorities > Saudi Green Initiative
§124 — National Target (a) > Protected Areas > Pre-COP15 adoption

Royal Reserves: A Second Protected-Area Estate Under Crown-Level Governance

Saudi Arabia operates three legally and administratively distinct protected-area systems, each with its own legal basis, governance chain, and management framework.

The National Centre for Wildlife Development (NCW) manages 12 protected areas (7 terrestrial, 4 marine, 1 mixed) covering approximately 54,863.6 km² — about 2.5% of national area [§65]. A separate estate of 8 royal nature reserves, established under Royal Order No. A/219 (2018), covers approximately 319,888 km² — about 14.4% of the Kingdom's total area including maritime zones — and is overseen by the Royal Reserves Council, chaired by the Crown Prince [§66]. A third tier of 5 protected areas under the Royal Commission for AlUla covers approximately 12,575 km² (0.63% of national area), including the Sharaan Nature Reserve, which supports 19 threatened wild animal species, 55 plant species, and 43 bird species [§67].

These are not administrative subdivisions of a single system. The Royal Reserves operate under a distinct legal basis (a Royal Order), a separate governance chain (the Royal Reserves Council), and their own management framework. The most recent additions — the King Khalid Royal Reserve northeast of Riyadh and the Imam Faisal bin Turki Reserve, established in October 2023 — demonstrate ongoing expansion of this estate [§66].

The Royal Reserves estate represents the majority of Saudi Arabia's current protected land and constitutes the foundation of Phase 1 of the roadmap toward the 30% target. The Royal Reserves Council and its associated entities appear throughout the Framework's delivery chapter as responsible or participating entities for multiple national commitments, and the Royal Reserves infrastructure is central to the 30x30 roadmap's phased milestones through 2030 [§184]–[§190].

Sources:

§65 — Protected Areas under the NCW
§66 — Royal Reserves
§67 — Protected Areas under the Royal Commission for AlUla
§184–§190 — Entity Roles by National Target

4. Delivery Architecture

Legislative framework

The Environment Law (Nizam al-Bi'ah), issued by Royal Decree No. M/165 in July 2020, provides the overarching legislative foundation for biodiversity protection, supported by 17 implementing regulations covering wildlife protection and trade (CITES-aligned), protected areas, hunting, marine and coastal environment management, vegetation cover, desertification, soil pollution, aquatic environment protection, woodcutting, and environmental rehabilitation [§50][§53].

Two draft instruments are under finalisation: the National Regulation for Regulating Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits (implementing the Nagoya Protocol) and the Biosafety Regulation for Genetically Modified Organisms (implementing the Cartagena Protocol) [§51]. The Regulation on Dealing with Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Council of Ministers Resolution No. 555, 2018) is already in force [§51].

National strategies and institutional actors

The National Environment Strategy (Council of Ministers Resolution No. 454, 2018) serves as the unified reference framework for the environment sector, with three of its eight thematic axes directly addressing biodiversity: terrestrial wildlife, marine and coastal environment, and vegetation cover [§57]. The National Strategy for Red Sea Sustainability, launched December 2024, targets protection of the Red Sea ecosystem and a transition toward a sustainable blue economy [§58]. The National Strategy for Natural Rangelands (Royal Order No. 73, 2018) identifies 13 initiatives for sustainable pastoral resource management [§60].

Five specialised national centres, established in 2019 under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, hold primary operational responsibility: the National Centre for Wildlife Development (NCW), the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the National Centre for Environmental Compliance Monitoring, the National Centre for Meteorology, and the National Centre for Waste Management [§48]. The NCW serves as the CBD national focal point [§121]. The Environment Fund (Sunduq al-Bi'ah) was established alongside these centres to support their financial sustainability and that of broader environmental initiatives [§5].

Species conservation

The NCW operates captive breeding programmes for ten species — including Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, cheetah, and Asian houbara bustard — with nuclei established from 1986 and more than 8,270 organisms reintroduced into the wild from 1989 to early 2025 [§84]. The Arabian Leopard Breeding Programme, operated by the Royal Commission for AlUla, focuses on the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard with plans for reintroduction to mountain habitats [§85]. The National Programme for Releasing and Reintroducing Endangered Wildlife provides protocols for release into NCW reserves, Royal Reserves, and major projects including NEOM and the Royal Commission for AlUla [§86].

International agreements and UNCCD hosting

The Kingdom has acceded to the CBD (2002), the Nagoya Protocol (2020), the Cartagena Protocol (2007), CITES (1996), the Ramsar Convention (April 2025), the UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1978), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (2016), the Convention on Migratory Species and associated memoranda, and the UNCCD (1997) [§54][§55].

Saudi Arabia hosted the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD (COP16) — described in the Framework as the largest in the Convention's history, with approximately 50,000 participants — and launched the Global Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership with financial commitments exceeding USD 12.5 billion [§16]. In July 2024, the Kingdom announced 16 voluntary targets for land degradation neutrality across 8 work axes [§101].

Sources:

§48–§53 — Institutional and Legislative Framework
§57–§62 — National Strategies and Initiatives
§84–§86 — Species Conservation Programmes
§16 — COP16 UNCCD Hosting and Desertification
§54, §55 — International Multilateral Environmental Agreements

5. Monitoring and Accountability

The National Centre for Wildlife Development holds primary responsibility for implementation oversight, reporting, and national coordination, including serving as CBD focal point [§121][§178]. The Framework calls for establishing a National Committee for Biodiversity (al-Lajnah al-Wataniyyah lil-Tanawwu' al-Ahya'i) as a sectoral coordination mechanism under the Environment Law, composed of representatives from development sectors alongside academics, researchers, and experts [§24][§169]. This Committee will adopt annual performance reports and review national CBD reports before submission [§169].

The National Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation 2030 serves as the executive tool translating the four thematic groups and 22 national commitments into implementable measures with timelines extending from 2025 to 2030 [§21][§153]. Implementation follows a "Whole-of-Government – Whole-of-Society" approach. Entity roles are divided across three categories: Responsible entities (regulatory authority and direct implementation), Participating entities (partial role or expertise provision), and Supporting entities (material, technical, or financial support without direct implementation) [§31][§180]–[§183]. Participating entities span a wide range of public and private bodies, including Royal Commissions, Saudi Aramco, NEOM, the General Authority for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles (SHAMS), universities and research centres, and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority [§184][§188][§189].

The Framework specifies a separate, independently developed national monitoring framework aligned with KMGBF indicators, Vision 2030 indicators, and the National Environmental Performance Index [§32]. A Central Monitoring and Evaluation Management Unit within the NCW will collect and verify data, manage biodiversity information platforms, and build partner capacities. The monitoring framework is designed using "specific smart indicators that are effective in terms of cost and which do not require significant technical or material requirements" [§32].

Two evaluation points are mandated: a mid-term evaluation proposed for 2027–2028 and a final evaluation in 2030, both conducted by national external parties independent of implementing entities — universities, research institutes, or consultancies — addressing both progress toward national commitments and the adequacy, effectiveness, and impact of those commitments on biodiversity status [§32].

Reporting products include annual performance and achievement reports, periodic national CBD reports, policy briefs for decision-makers, and digital dashboards on the Ministry's and national centres' official websites [§32][§173]. Progress reports and non-sensitive datasets are to be published on a national electronic portal accessible to the public [§173].

Sources:

§21, §24, §31, §32 — Monitoring, Governance, and National Action Plan
§121, §153, §169 — National Coordination and Institutional Roles
§173, §174, §178, §184–§190 — Reporting, Knowledge Infrastructure, and Entity Roles

6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

The Framework describes bridging the biodiversity financing gap as "a fundamental and essential element" and "unprecedented financial challenge at the global and national levels," referencing the global figure of USD 700 billion annually [§25][§170]. It commits to increasing and sustaining biodiversity financing from all sources — governmental budgets, private sector investments, semi-governmental entities, charitable institutions, and civil society [§25].

National commitment 18 operationalises this through a sequenced programme: a comprehensive assessment of the current financial situation and policies (by 2026), a comprehensive assessment of financial needs and financing gaps (by 2026), and development of a national strategy for mobilising financial resources (2026–2030) [§162]. Responsible entities include the Ministry of Finance, the Environment Fund, the Public Investment Fund, the National Development Fund, the Saudi Central Bank, Saudi Aramco, Ma'aden, and SABIC [§162][§191].

The Framework names a specific suite of innovative financing instruments for activation: green bonds, biodiversity bonds, blue bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, biodiversity credit markets, blended finance, results-based finance, and biodiversity offsets [§25][§170] — an enumeration that extends beyond the instruments typically named in NBSAP finance chapters. This is accompanied by commitments to subsidy reform under national commitment 17, with agriculture and energy sectors explicitly identified as areas for review and redirected incentives.

The Environment Fund (Sunduq al-Bi'ah), established in 2019, was created to support financial sustainability of the national centres and environmental initiatives [§5]. No figures on its endowment, annual disbursements, or portfolio appear in the Framework. The document acknowledges that inadequate dedicated financing limited implementation during the previous strategy period and identifies a dedicated national biodiversity fund or budget line as a lesson drawn from that experience [§81].

The Framework does not disclose specific currency amounts, percentage-of-GDP allocations, or annual budget lines for biodiversity. Financial commitments are expressed as institutional intent, named mechanism types, and responsible-entity assignments rather than quantified appropriations.

Sources:

§5, §25, §81 — Finance Architecture and Historical Lessons
§145, §162, §170, §191 — National Commitment 18 and Mobilisation Mechanisms

7. GBF Target Coverage

GBF Target 1: Spatial planning — Mentioned

Spatial planning appears as a sub-element of national commitment 15 (full mainstreaming), which explicitly lists spatial planning, land use, and integrated environmental assessment among its components [§139]. A lessons-learned section acknowledges that biodiversity concepts were not adequately mainstreamed into agricultural, urban, industrial, or tourism planning during the previous strategy period. No standalone commitment to biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning or to reducing the loss of high-biodiversity-importance areas to near zero is articulated.

GBF Target 2: Ecosystem restoration — Addressed

National commitment 2 sets a measurable target of ensuring 30% of degraded ecosystem area is under effective restoration and rehabilitation programmes by 2030. The Saudi Green Initiative commits to rehabilitating the equivalent of 74 million hectares of land and planting 10 billion trees; by end-2024, 111,000 hectares had been rehabilitated and more than 95 million trees planted [§61]. Marine restoration includes an approximately 30% increase in mangrove forest areas along the Red Sea coast [§90], removal of more than 60 tonnes of debris and marine waste from 6 vital environmental sites in 2022 [§90], and coral reef assessments covering more than 150 in situ survey sites [§89]. The Red Sea Research Centre at KAUST provides science-based solutions for coral reef conservation and restoration. The Middle East Green Initiative targets reclaiming 200 million hectares regionally with USD 2.5 billion committed (see GBF Target 8). Indicators include extent of change in natural ecosystem area and rate of land conversion.

GBF Target 3: Protected areas (30x30) — Addressed

National commitment 3 sets a measurable target of protecting 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal ecosystems by 2030. Saudi Arabia embedded this commitment in the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, before its adoption at COP15 in December 2022 [§124]. The protected areas system operates across three governance tiers: 12 NCW-managed areas (~2.5% coverage), 8 Royal Reserves (~14.4% under Crown Prince-chaired Royal Reserves Council), and 5 Royal Commission for AlUla areas (~0.63%). A two-phase roadmap raised terrestrial coverage from 4.56% (2016) to 18.1% by end-2025 and marine/coastal coverage from 3.76% to 16.3%. International designations include the Kingdom's first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site (Uruq Bani Ma'arid), three UNESCO Man and the Biosphere reserves, one Ramsar site (Farasan Islands), and five IUCN Green List registrations. Indicators track coverage of terrestrial, marine/coastal, and other effective area-based conservation measures.

GBF Target 4: Species recovery — Addressed

National commitment 4 commits to reducing threat levels for known threatened species. The NCW operates captive breeding programmes for ten species, with more than 8,270 organisms reintroduced since 1989, building on nuclei established from 1986 [§84]. The Arabian Leopard Breeding Programme (Royal Commission for AlUla) focuses on the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard with plans for mountain reintroduction [§85]. National Red Lists are complete for mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The action plan specifies updating national Red Lists (2026–2028), developing national action plans for priority threatened species including captive breeding and habitat protection (2028–2030), strengthening legal frameworks against poaching and illegal trade (2027–2030), and activating a national monitoring framework for threatened species (2026–2030) [§155]. A cave exploration programme documented cheetah specimens spanning more than 4,000 years of Arabian Peninsula presence [§93]. Indicators include species with populations above 500 individuals, species with active breeding programmes, and species with maintained genetic diversity.

GBF Target 5: Sustainable harvest — Addressed

National commitment 13 addresses sustainable use of ecosystems and wild species and combating overexploitation and illegal practices for fishing, logging, and grazing [§137]. The action plan includes assessments of species and ecosystems most threatened by overexploitation (2026–2030), strengthening the legislative and regulatory framework (2027), and strengthening monitoring capacities at critical areas and border points (2026–2030). The Kingdom is party to CITES (1996) and multiple memoranda of understanding on migratory species. Indicators include percentage of monitored fish stocks within sustainable levels and a sustainable grazing indicator.

GBF Target 6: Invasive alien species — Addressed

National commitment 5 commits to limiting and combating invasive alien species and managing introduction pathways. The National Plan for the Management of Invasive Alien Species identifies the 20 most dangerous invasive alien species in Saudi Arabia, assesses their impacts, and sets management priorities [§94]. The action plan specifies developing a national IAS database (2026), preparing a comprehensive management and surveillance action plan (2026), strengthening early detection and rapid response capacities including training customs and ports personnel (2026–2030), and establishing a monitoring framework for IAS spread (2027–2030). An active baboon population management programme — including field surveys, census databases, and trialling of integrated management solutions — covers six affected regions (Asir, Al Baha, Makkah, Al Madinah, Jazan, and Najran) [§95]. Indicators include rate of IAS establishment, area of ecosystems cleared of invasive alien plants, and percentage of IAS with management plans.

GBF Target 7: Pollution reduction — Addressed

National commitment 6 commits to reducing pollution risks from all sources by 2030. The action plan calls for a comprehensive national pollution survey covering industrial, solid and liquid waste, agricultural, municipal, and urban pollution sources (2026–2027), strengthening environmental inspection and monitoring (2026–2030), supporting transition to sustainable production patterns (2026–2030), and developing national integrated waste management plans (2026–2030) [§128]. Soil quality monitoring programmes operate across national centres, including pollutant surveys, dedicated databases, and waste facility supervision [§99]. Indicators include pesticide concentration in the environment, rates of hazardous industrial and medical waste treated, environmental compliance for water discharge, and coastal monitoring coverage.

GBF Target 8: Climate and biodiversity — Addressed

National commitment 7 commits to reducing climate change impacts on biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience. The Saudi Green Initiative targets reducing annual carbon emissions to 130 million tonnes by 2030, with the 74 million hectare land reclamation programme contributing to carbon sequestration (see flex section — Saudi Green Initiative) [§61]. Blue carbon assessments have been extended to mangrove forests and other blue carbon mechanisms in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf [§90]. The Red Sea Research Centre at KAUST undertakes coral reef conservation and restoration research. The Middle East Green Initiative targets planting 50 billion trees regionally with up to USD 2.5 billion committed [§62]. Implementation of national commitment 7 requires integration with national adaptation and mitigation plans through the Ministry of Energy as UNFCCC focal point [§129].

GBF Target 9: Wild species use — Addressed

National commitment 13 directly addresses sustainable use of wild species and reducing human-wildlife conflict, linked explicitly to GBF Target 9 in the Framework [§137]. The action plan includes assessments of species and ecosystems most threatened by overexploitation (2026–2030), human-wildlife conflict reduction strategies including buffer zones and safe-behaviour awareness (2027–2030), and active management through the baboon population programme in six regions (see GBF Target 6). Indicators include percentage of monitored fish stocks within sustainable levels, a sustainable grazing indicator, and percentage of camels and sheep transitioning from traditional to modern husbandry.

GBF Target 10: Agriculture / forestry — Addressed

National commitment 8 commits to sustainable management of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries and reducing their negative impacts on biodiversity [§130]. The action plan specifies national biodiversity impact surveys for current agricultural and fisheries practices (2027), mainstreaming biodiversity into agricultural sector policies (2027), restoration of ecosystems degraded by agricultural and fisheries activities (2026–2030), and training programmes for farmers, livestock keepers, aquaculture breeders, and fishers on organic farming, integrated pest management, and sustainable forestry (2028). The National Agriculture Strategy encompasses pillars for natural resource protection, food and water security, and plant and animal health. Indicators include percentage of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture, pesticide and chemical fertiliser use per hectare, and rate of aquaculture and fisheries sustainability transition.

GBF Target 11: Ecosystem services (NbS) — Addressed

National commitment 12 commits to maximising social and economic benefits from ecosystem services and strengthening nature-based solutions, emphasising restoration and maintenance of ecosystem functions including air and water quality, climate regulation, soil safety, pollination, and disaster risk reduction [§136]. Nature-based solutions are positioned as both a conservation tool and a financing mechanism; the finance chapter commits to replacing harmful subsidies with incentives that support nature-based solutions. Indicators include percentage of the population using safely managed drinking water services and economic output from protected areas.

GBF Target 12: Urban biodiversity — Addressed

National commitment 10 commits to integrating biodiversity values into urban planning and expanding green and blue spaces in a sustainable manner [§134]. The action plan includes a current urban biodiversity baseline assessment (2027), a plan for integrating biodiversity into urban development strategies (2026–2028), a guide for urban planning standards for sustainable urban biodiversity (2027), and a mandated revision of the Saudi Building Code to include green and blue space criteria (2028). The Riyadh Green Project (al-Riyadh al-Khadra') targets planting more than 7.5 million trees by 2030, increasing green space from 1.5% to 9.1% of Riyadh's area and increasing per capita green space by 16-fold [§100]. Indicators include average share of built-up area with public green or blue spaces, proportion of green and blue spaces in total city area, and a quality index for urban green and blue spaces.

GBF Target 13: Genetic resources / ABS — Addressed

National commitment 14 commits to developing national legislative frameworks for access to genetic resources and fair and equitable benefit-sharing, including DSI and traditional knowledge [§138]. The Kingdom acceded to the Nagoya Protocol in 2020 and has prepared two draft pieces of national legislation (ABS regulation and biosafety regulation) currently under finalisation [§51]. The Comprehensive Genetic Study Programme for Wildlife Species builds a national genetic database in two sections: DNA Barcoding covering all local wild species, and complete genome sequencing for threatened, rare, endemic, and economically important species [§96]. The Hima system, falconry, and traditional agricultural practices are identified as cultural heritage relevant to ABS, with commitments to their documentation and benefit-sharing — though no operational community IP protection agreements or benefit-sharing mechanisms are described in detail. Indicators include monetary and non-monetary benefits received, total internationally recognised certificates of compliance, and regulatory progress.

GBF Target 14: Mainstreaming — Addressed

National commitment 15 commits to full mainstreaming of biodiversity into all development sector decision-making, explicitly listing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, finance, tourism, health, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, mining, and deep mining [§139]. The commitment encompasses legislation, policies, spatial planning, land use, integrated environmental assessment, cross-sectoral coordination, community participation, sustainable financing, innovation, and technology. The Framework acknowledges that mainstreaming was weak in the previous strategy period and identifies this commitment as linked to all four GBF Goals.

GBF Target 15: Business disclosure — Addressed

National commitment 16 commits to developing an enabling environment for business-sector biodiversity partnerships, including reviewing and updating policies and regulations to incentivise partnerships through tax benefits and financing for sustainability-committed companies [§141]. The action plan includes a comprehensive assessment of current private sector participation (2026–2027), establishment of government-business cooperation platforms (2026–2027), development of best-practice guidelines and environmental standards for the private sector focusing on highest-impact sectors (2028), and environmental responsibility awareness campaigns (2026–2030). Indicators include number of companies reporting on biodiversity risks, dependencies, and impacts; number publishing sustainability reports; and formal biodiversity partnerships established with the private sector.

GBF Target 16: Sustainable consumption — Addressed

National commitment 9 commits to transitioning toward sustainable use patterns of natural resources and biodiversity components [§132]. The action plan includes an inventory and assessment of current use patterns (2028), support for circular economy principles and waste reduction (2026–2030), encouragement of private sector sustainable production through incentives and environmental accreditation (2026–2030), and public awareness campaigns (2026–2030). The agricultural sector strategy references food loss and waste reduction as a strategic initiative. Indicators include food waste, rate of recycling of raw materials, a grazing regulation indicator, and percentage of camels and sheep transitioning from traditional to modern husbandry.

GBF Target 17: Biosafety — Addressed

National commitment 11 commits to establishing and strengthening biosafety capacities for handling living modified organisms under the Cartagena Protocol, to which the Kingdom acceded in 2007 [§136]. New national biosafety legislation is under preparation. The action plan specifies establishing national reference laboratory infrastructure capable of GMO detection and genetic compliance testing (2028), capacity-building programmes for ministries, customs, laboratories, and research institutions in biosafety and risk assessment (2028–2030), emergency response mechanisms for unauthorised or unintended GMO release (2027), and public awareness on biosafety issues (2026–2030).

GBF Target 18: Harmful subsidies — Addressed

National commitment 17 commits to inventorying all harmful subsidies, assessing their impacts, and developing phased national plans for their elimination, alongside introducing positive incentives [§143]. Agriculture and energy sectors are explicitly identified as areas for subsidy reform. The action plan includes a comprehensive review of current incentives and subsidies (2026–2027), development of a phased reform plan including tax exemptions for biodiversity-dependent farmers and support for green innovation (2026–2030), and a monitoring and evaluation system for incentive reform effectiveness with periodic reporting (2027–2030). Indicators include value of harmful subsidies eliminated, number of harmful subsidies identified or cancelled, and number of new positive incentives launched.

GBF Target 19: Finance mobilisation — Addressed

National commitment 18 commits to increasing financial resources from all sources for implementing the Framework [§145]. The action plan sequences financial assessments (2026) before developing a national financial mobilisation strategy (2026–2030). Responsible entities include the Ministry of Finance, the Environment Fund, the Public Investment Fund, the National Development Fund, the Saudi Central Bank, Saudi Aramco, Ma'aden, and SABIC [§191]. The Framework names a full suite of innovative instruments: green bonds, biodiversity bonds, blue bonds, sustainability-linked bonds, biodiversity credit markets, blended finance, results-based finance, and biodiversity offsets [§170]. The Framework explicitly acknowledges inadequate dedicated financing as a lesson from the previous strategy period and identifies a dedicated national biodiversity fund or budget line as a structural need [§81].

GBF Target 20: Capacity and technology — Addressed

National commitment 19 commits to developing national capacities and facilitating access to technologies and best practices for biodiversity conservation [§146]. The Framework outlines four capacity-building priorities: training across government entities, the private sector, local communities, and research institutions in biodiversity management, monitoring, classification, and strategic planning; technology transfer including remote sensing, smart agriculture, and AI for environmental monitoring; scientific and technical cooperation through joint research and information exchange; and ensuring access to biodiversity knowledge including traditional knowledge of local communities. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is assigned a participating role in data infrastructure development [§164].

GBF Target 21: Data and information — Addressed

National commitment 20 commits to developing the knowledge base and biodiversity databases and making them available through approved platforms [§148]. The National Platform for Marine Biodiversity (eSpecia) is operational, providing a GIS-integrated database for marine biodiversity data [§90]. A Central Monitoring and Evaluation Management Unit within the NCW will manage national biodiversity information platforms. Plans include establishing databases for ecosystems, species, and key areas with standardised collection, classification, and storage criteria. Reporting products include digital dashboards, annual performance reports, and a national electronic portal for public access to non-sensitive datasets and progress reports. A mid-term evaluation (2027–2028) and final evaluation (2030) are mandated, both conducted by external independent bodies [§32]. The monitoring framework is explicitly designed for cost-efficiency using targeted indicators suited to national capacities.

GBF Target 22: Inclusive participation — Addressed

National commitment 22 commits to strengthening community participation in all stages of biodiversity planning and management, including developing FPIC mechanisms [§166]. The action plan specifies developing a national community participation framework and policies (2026–2027), designing community engagement programmes built on capacity building and empowerment (2027–2030), establishing FPIC mechanisms (2027–2030), and activating communication channels between government entities and communities (2026–2030). Monitoring framework governance principles explicitly include the participation of women and youth in data collection and reporting. Responsible entities include the Ministries of Culture, Tourism, and Human Resources and Social Development [§166]. Indicators include percentage of Kingdom regions with effective community participation, number of NGOs dedicated to wildlife conservation, and community-led conservation initiatives.

GBF Target 23: Gender equality — Mentioned

Gender considerations appear in two contexts in the Framework but are not addressed through a standalone gender equality strategy. National commitment 10 (urban biodiversity) states that collective efforts must preserve the rights of all segments of society "especially the local community, youth, women, and girls, respecting the rights of persons with disabilities and non-discrimination" [§134]. The monitoring framework governance principles call for the participation of women and youth in data collection and reporting [§172]. The Framework commits to "non-discrimination based on social type or gender," including gender-responsive approaches and "empowering women's leadership and participatory role in all aspects of Framework implementation" [§172]. No dedicated gender action plan, gender-responsive budgeting, or sex-disaggregated biodiversity indicators appears in the Framework.