The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) and KAUST have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an organizational framework for cooperation in research and environmental fields to achieve their common goals of protecting ecosystems, preserving their biodiversity and enhancing community awareness.  

The memorandum was signed during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh on December 2-13. Sir Edward Byrne AC, President of KAUST, and Dr. Mohammad Ali Qurban, CEO of NCW, were the respective representatives of their respective institutions.  

The MoU outlines the two parties' commitment to collaborate on scientific research initiatives to safeguard wildlife and terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Additionally, the agreement encompasses the development of genetic diversity projects and establishing databases to facilitate future research endeavors.   

Furthermore, the memorandum outlines plans for the joint implementation of community awareness campaigns and volunteer programs to promote the importance of environmental sustainability. Additionally, it specifies the establishment of monitoring programs designed to assess the health of ecosystems by international standards.   

The two parties also intend to consolidate their efforts to emphasize Saudi Arabia's global role in environmental development.  

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Dr. Ali Qurban said, "This MoU embodies NCW's commitment to strengthening partnerships with leading academic institutions such as KAUST to support national efforts in protecting ecosystems and enriching biodiversity. This collaboration reflects our vision to achieve sustainable environmental development, which aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Initiative and strengthens the Kingdom's position as a global leader in this field."  

Since its establishment in 2019, the NCW has implemented comprehensive plans and initiatives to address environmental challenges and protect natural systems. In this endeavor, the Center draws upon the expertise of local and international professionals to achieve ecological sustainability and maximize social and economic benefits.