Prince Mohammed bin Salman Reserve celebrates 50,000 patrols

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve marked World Environment Inspectors Day by celebrating its 50,000th patrol since operations began across its 24,500-square-kilometer land and marine territories.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Zaloumis said the success of conservation efforts relies on local communities, noting that the reserve’s environmental inspectors come from within its boundaries and have a deep, generational connection to the land. He added that this local knowledge plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s journey to preserve nature.

Team growth and women’s empowerment

The environmental inspection team has grown significantly over the past four years, increasing from 27 to 231 inspectors. The team includes the first team of female environmental inspectors in the Middle East, with women now making up 34 percent of the team, compared to a global average of 11 percent.

During this period, inspectors have conducted 50,000 patrols, logged over 400,000 hours of fieldwork, and covered 3,980,000 kilometers on foot and by vehicle, all aimed at restoring balance to the reserve’s 15 ecosystems and preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

Marine achievements and Saudi commitment

At sea, marine inspectors are set to cover nearly 55,000 kilometers since the launch of specialized patrol boats in January 2025—equivalent to patrolling the length of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast 30 times—as part of efforts to combat illegal fishing and monitor coastal ecosystems. The marine team includes 30 inspectors, among them seven women who became the first female marine environmental inspectors in the Middle East after completing a specialized swimming program.

These achievements reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the global goal of protecting 30 percent of land and sea by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted by nearly 200 countries at COP15.

The reserve also reaffirmed its commitment to training and empowering the next generation of conservation leaders, noting that estimates indicate a 46 percent increase in environmental inspectors is needed nationwide to meet these ambitious targets.