Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve warns against overgrazing

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority has highlighted the environmental impact of overgrazing, stressing that curbing this practice is not only a matter of regulatory compliance, but also essential for protecting pastures and green spaces from depletion, and for preserving their ability to regenerate and sustain natural resources.

In a report issued today, the authority explained that overgrazing is more than just an environmental violation; it directly depletes pastures and vegetation cover. Overgrazing leads to the consumption of plants before they reach maturity and produce seeds, which limits their ability to regenerate. This gradually results in the decline of vegetation cover, the deterioration of pastures, and weakens the capacity of natural habitats to provide food and shelter for wildlife. It also contributes to sand encroachment, threatens historical sites, and degrades their surrounding environments.

The authority noted that continued grazing pressure affects soil quality, increases its susceptibility to erosion, and reduces its ability to retain rainwater. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in green areas and accelerates desertification and sand encroachment.

The authority emphasized that protecting pastures is a shared responsibility, calling on the public to avoid overgrazing, adhere to sustainable grazing practices, and allow plants sufficient time to grow and regenerate. It pointed out that the loss of vegetation cover today will take time to recover, and preserving it helps safeguard natural resources and sustain wildlife in the reserve.