Location: Saudi Arabia – 10 rangeland sites across the Kingdom
Funded By:
National Center for Vegetation Development and Combat Desertification (NCVC)
Implemented By:
Tilad Environmental Consultancy and IUCN ROWA
The Project Focuses on the Following Objectives and Activities:
- Estimate grazing capacity and develop site-specific grazing plans for sustainable rangeland use.
- Promote community-based, participatory rangeland management approaches.
Key activities include:
- Conducting seasonal field studies (Spring and Autumn) to assess vegetation properties, analyze plant species, and estimate available biomass.
- Determining appropriate grazing systems and cycles for each site.
- Organizing training workshops and field days to enhance understanding of vegetation characteristics and grazing capacity.
- Developing comprehensive maps and databases, including topographic, climatic, soil type, land use/land cover, and vegetation indices maps.
- Establishing appropriate animal unit recommendations per site based on scientific assessments.
Achievements:
- Developed detailed databases and thematic maps for all 10 rangeland sites.
- Conducted field surveys and vegetation studies during Spring and Autumn, covering species composition, density, frequency, and available biomass (annuals, biennials, perennials).
- Calculated grazing capacity and stocking rates for each site.
- Successfully developed and validated sustainable grazing plans covering approximately 1.7 million hectares, incorporating ecosystem restoration and climate-resilient practices.
- Ensured inclusive stakeholder engagement and local community participation, fostering ownership and promoting the long-term sustainability of rangeland ecosystems.