Abuzinada A.H. 1994. Coordinating conservation. Arabian Wildlife 1(1): 5.

Summary: The NCWCD was established in 1986 to oversee the conservation and development of Saudi Arabia's wildlife heritage. The focus of the Commission's mandate is to establish a national network of protected areas, and to restore native endangered species. The Commission also conducts scientific research, promotes environmental awareness, and is charged with the responsibility of developing national policies on conservation and sustainable development of natural resources. A network of protected areas, covering the major centres of biological diversity and unique landscape features, is in the process of being established. Protected area planning has drawn upon the traditional Arabian conservation system known as Hima. The NWRC at Taif has undertaken the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx, and the captive breeding of. houbara bustard, onager and Nubian ibex. The KKWRC at Thumamah is engaged in the captive breeding of native gazelles. A new centre for gazelles, the Amir Mohammed Al Sudairy Gazelle Research Center at Al Qassim may also make a valuable contribution to the captive breeding program. Surveys are being undertaken to fill gaps in the documented record of the Kingdom's flora and fauna. Rheem and idmi gazelles are being reintroduced into protected areas within their former range, and studies are underway for restoration of houbara populations through release of captive bred stock. In response to the oil-spill created during the recent Gulf conflict, the NCWCD established a Wildlife Rescue Center to save oiled birds, turtles and other animals, and to save or restore key habitats. Environmental awareness programmes have formed a key element of NCWCD conservation policy.

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