IUCN ROWA Celebrates the Inclusion of Seven New Sites from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the UAE in the Green List

The IUCN Green List sets the global benchmark for conservation excellence, offering a framework to ensure that protected areas achieve meaningful outcomes for both nature and people. It also serves as a key indicator for Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for the effective conservation of at least 30% of the planet by 2030.

Six new sites and one re-listing from the Middle East - West Asia region have been welcomed to the prestigious IUCN Green List, a global benchmark for effective and equitable protected and conserved areas. With the new listings of 2024-2025, the total number of sites listed from the MEWA region goes up to 12 sites out of 91 certified sites globally, which makes this region a host for more than 10% of the world’s network of green listed sites. This achievement reflects the region’s commitment to advancing sustainable conservation practices and supporting global biodiversity goals.

“The IUCN Green List continues to grow, with the addition of new sites and the renewal of existing ones worldwide, serving as a key tool for advancing the implementation of the CBD Global Biodiversity Framework. Developed collaboratively within the IUCN network and guided by the expertise of the World Commission on Protected Areas, the Green List Standard ensures that conservation initiatives are credible, transparent, and measurable. This standard exemplifies IUCN's commitment to promoting trusted and effective conservation practices. The success of these sites highlights their value to both nature and local communities while inspiring others to pursue similar objectives, thereby contributing significantly to achieving the 30x30 target for area-based conservation by 2030.” -Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director of IUCN ROWA

This accomplishment showcases the impact of regional and global cooperation in tackling biodiversity challenges and underscores the essential role of protected areas in building a sustainable future.

In Saudi Arabia, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is the country’s largest protected area, spanning 130,000 km² near the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border. It features diverse landscapes of mountains, plains, and plateaus, supports over 300 wildlife species, including rare deer, and contains archaeological sites dating back to 8,000 BC. Covering four

provinces—Hail, Tabuk, Al Jowf, and the Northern Borders—the reserve reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to conserving its natural and cultural treasures.

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, located between Riyadh and Eastern Province, is known for its fertile lands, valleys, and rich biodiversity. Its landscapes are dotted with acacia and sidr trees, alongside vibrant flowers like daisies, lavender, and hawthorns. Key valleys such as Wadi al-Shuqi and Wadi al-Tayri further enhance its ecological importance.

Additionally, Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla, KSA spans 1,540 km², offering dramatic landscapes of canyons and valleys. This reserve focuses on restoring fragile ecosystems, protecting native species like gazelles and the Arabian oryx, and preserving acacia woodlands. Habitat restoration and sustainable practices are central to its mission. Meanwhile, the Ibex Nature Reserve, founded in 1988, is situated near Riyadh in the village of Al-Helwah. This site serves as a sanctuary for desert wildlife, including the Arabian ibex, although it faces ongoing challenges such as hunting and water scarcity.

In Jordan, the Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) is a vital sanctuary for marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Aqaba. This site is home to a rich coral reef ecosystem, hosting 157 species of reef-building corals, 120 soft coral species, and an array of marine life, including 500 fish species and 1,000 mollusc species. The reserve is particularly significant for its high levels of endemism, with unique species such as the endangered Indo-Pacific Humphead Wrasse, the globally threatened Whale Shark, and endemic corals and fish. The AMR’s coral reefs are globally renowned for their resilience to climate change, offering hope for the future of marine ecosystems.

In Lebanon, The Shouf Biosphere Reserve, established in 1996, is located in central Lebanon, it spans 50,000 hectares from Dahr Al-Baidar to the Niha Mountains, encompassing the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, 22 villages, and the Ramsar-designated Ammiq Wetland, one of the last remaining wetlands in the region. Home to 520 plant species, including 25 threatened ones, the reserve is also a sanctuary for large mammals like the grey wolf and jungle cat.

In the United Arab Emirates, Sir Bu Nair Island is a protected marine reserve celebrated for its geological formations, pristine sandy beaches, and critical role as a breeding ground for sea turtles, especially hawksbill turtles. Recognized as one of the most important nesting sites in the Arabian Gulf, the island also supports a diverse array of marine birds and plant life. Its unique blend of ecological, geological, and scenic features makes it a cornerstone of conservation efforts in the UAE.

These remarkable sites across Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and the UAE underscore the West Asia region's dedication to biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Together, they contribute to global efforts in achieving effective area-based conservation and the broader goals of the CBD Global Biodiversity Framework.

About IUCN

IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 17,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

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About the IUCN Green List 

The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas initiative is increasing and recognising the number of Protected and Conserved Areas globally, that are fairly governed and effectively managed to achieve successful conservation outcomes. 

At the heart of the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (IUCN Green List for short) initiative is the first global standard of best practice for area-based conservation. It is a certification system for protected and conserved areas – national parks, natural World Heritage sites, community conserved areas, nature reserves – that are evaluated to be effectively managed and fairly governed according to this global standard. 

https://iucngreenlist.org/