Decree

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5065 issued on 17 January 2025.

Arabic

Issued by Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority D-3-T-46-2 of 1446 [2024], Amended by Administrative Decision 000033-25-001 Dated 1 January 2025

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Introduction

As part of the efforts of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve to be a leader in environmental conservation and nature preservation, the authority has focused on supporting scientific research, as accurate data and information on the facts of biodiversity is an important and supportive tool for making decisions based on science, hence, these controls have been put in place to establish the general frameworks governing the scientific research process in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, as well as joint cooperation in sharing data with other entities.

Article 1

The following phrases and expressions—wherever they appear in these controls—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.

Researcher: A person who performs scientific research tasks, procedures, and activities.

Scientific research: A systematic experimental investigative approach that follows recognized scientific methods in accordance with the ethics of scientific research in collecting information, recording observations, and objectively critically analyzing that information or hypotheses using specific scientific methods and approaches.

Scientific publication: The outputs or results of scientific research, including publishing all or some of the results in scientific journals or periodicals, on the internet, in books and reports, or as an innovation.

Permit: A document granted by the authority before commencing the practice of the scientific research activity.

Wildlife: Wild plant and animal organisms and their habitats.

Biodiversity: The multiplicity and diversity of organisms at all their levels, from genes to ecosystems.

Natural habitats: Sites where wild organisms naturally live, grow, or reproduce in a natural, interconnected, and integrated manner with the surrounding conditions.

Article 2

These controls aim to strengthen and control the scientific research system, build scientific partnerships, and enable researchers to conduct their research and scientific activities in the reserve.

Article 3

For the purpose of implementing these controls, the authority shall:

1․ Verify the qualifications of researchers and the project team.

2․ Verify the scientific justification and the intended benefit if the scientific research has been conducted previously.

3․ If the cooperation results in a scientific innovation, the authority and the researcher have the right to joint intellectual property.

4․ The authority has the right to suspend or cancel scientific research and take the necessary legal measures in the event of a breach of the laws of the authority, the non-disclosure agreement, or the ethics of scientific research.

Article 4

The authority shall grant a permit to conduct scientific research within the reserve through the website of the authority, with the approval of the chief executive officer or whomever he authorizes, according to the following mechanism:

1․ Submitting the permit application within a period of 30 days before the start date of the scientific research.

2․ The permit applicant shall attach the following requirements:

(a) Permit application form.

(b) Scientific research proposal.

(c) Any other requirements determined by the authority.

3․ The authority shall review the application and notify the permit applicant of the application status within 15 working days from the date of receipt.

Article 5

A researcher shall comply with the following:

1․ The highest performance standards, ethics, and good practices in scientific research, and that he is fully aware of the scientific research controls of the authority while adhering to the relevant regulations and laws.

2․ Preserving the environment, reducing environmental pollution, and being cautious to not conduct experiments and research that may harm the environment and natural habitats.

3․ Scientific integrity and ensuring accuracy in conducting scientific research, presenting and interpreting results with credibility and transparency, and not distorting or falsifying scientific results and facts.

4․ Obtaining the necessary permits to conduct scientific research from the authority and relevant entities, if necessary.

5․ Researchers in joint projects shall agree on a publishing mechanism before submitting the scientific research to a publisher, and shall inform partners of all their rights and duties, mutual benefits, and withdrawal procedures at any stage, before beginning the scientific research.

6․ In the event of dealing with data of a confidential nature that may be obtained (for example: Information about the health status of animals, the precise locations of rare animals and plants in the reserve, and any results related to the breeding sites of animals), the researcher shall maintain the confidentiality and privacy of this data, and shall not use such data for his personal benefit, for the benefit of a third party, or for any purpose other than the purpose for which it is collected except with the written consent of the authority.

7․ Maintaining an accurate, organized, and documented record of the procedures followed and the results obtained, whether final or interim, and that this record must be subject to inspection and audit by the authority.

8․ Not publishing scientific research and displaying research results in the media or any other means except after obtaining the consent of the authority.

9․ Upon completion of the scientific research, the authority has the right to the samples, data, and results, and the researcher shall not use them for other research or for other purposes without the consent of the authority.

10․ Abiding by local laws, legislation, and international treaties on copyright and the protection of intellectual property rights.

11․ Not withholding any scientific results or information from the authority.

12․ Preserving the rights of the authority to the results of scientific and intellectual research as well as the funding entity, when publishing the results of scientific research, and not exploiting it for advertising or any commercial or illegal purposes.

Article 6

A researcher shall, when conducting research on animals, comply with the following:

1․ Ensuring quality of performance and scientific principles and controls governing experimental practices on animals.

2․ Sharia provisions and laws relating to animal welfare.

3․ Scientific principles and controls that govern experimental practices on animals.

4․ Limiting the number of animals to the smallest possible number to achieve the objectives of scientific research.

5․ Abiding by, in scientific research, all measures to prevent harm or pain to the animal being subjected to the experiment, using the minimum and necessary number of experimental animals, and trying to avoid causing pain to the animal as much as possible.

6․ Releasing the animal subject to scientific research after its completion and ensuring its safety, and returning it to its original environment whenever possible.

7․ Taking into account that the expected results of the research and the benefits sought from it must outweigh the potential risks and damages that could be caused to the animal on which the scientific research is conducted or to the environment in general.

Article 7

A researcher shall, when conducting research on plants, comply with the following:

1․ Sharia provisions and laws relating to environmental protection.

2․ Limiting the number of seeds or plant samples to the minimum in regard to scientific research on endangered plants.

3․ Taking into account that the expected results of scientific research and the benefits sought from it must outweigh the potential risks and damages that could be caused to the plant on which the scientific research is conducted or to ecological systems and natural habitats in general.

4․ Disposing of all waste in a safe manner that does not harm human health or the environment.

Article 8

Researchers shall not:

1․ Use an endangered animal in research and experiments, unless such research and experiments are necessary and have a positive impact on the reproduction or preservation of the species, and obtaining the written consent of the authority.

2․ Introduce a wild animal or plant foreign to the environment of the reserve into its wildlife for scientific research purposes.

3․ Conduct research on endangered plants, unless such research is necessary for the propagation or conservation of those plants, with the written consent of the authority.

4․ Carry out any action that has a negative impact on the environment of the reserve.

Article 9

1․ The authority has the right to suspend or stop the research and prevent the researcher from conducting research in the future if it is proven that the researcher has violated any of the provisions of these controls.

2․ The authority shall police violations and impose punishments in coordination with the relevant entities.

Article 10

The authority shall review and update these controls periodically—when needed—with the approval of the chief executive officer and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.

Article 11

These controls apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5075 issued on 14 March 2025.

Arabic

Issued by Decision D-2-T2/46 of 1446, amended by Administrative Decision 000033-25-001 dated 1 January 2025

Article 1

For the purposes of applying these controls, the following terms and phrases—wherever they appear—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Board of directors: The board of directors of the authority.

Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.

Controls: The Controls for Grazing in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Permit: A document granted by the authority to the permittee allowing the entry of livestock into the designated grazing sites in the reserve.

Grazing: The process by which livestock consume plants for energy and food.

Grazing range: The range designated and approved by the authority.

Grazing system: The management of pasture use in a way that ensures long-term sustainability and achieves a balance between the needs of livestock and ecosystem conservation.

Local community: Inhabitants of the centres identified by the head of the administrative center inside the geographical scope of the reserve.

Livestock: Domesticated animals for husbandry (camels, cows, sheep, and goats).

Environmental inspector: An official(s) designated by a decision issued by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture or the chairman of the board of directors of national centers for the environment sector, jointly or individually, to police, investigate, and prove violations of the provisions of the Environmental Law, regulations, and controls issued by the authority.

Article 2

The controls for grazing aim to preserve the natural and plant environment and wildlife by regulating grazing inside the geographical scope of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Article 3

It is prohibited to graze in the reserve except within the grazing range in accordance with these controls, and this is exclusively restricted to the inhabitants of the local community of the reserve.

Article 4

1․ The authority shall determine the grazing range and the permitted capacity for each area in accordance with the necessary environmental studies.

2․ The authority shall update and amend the grazing range in the reserve whenever necessary.

3․ The authority may prohibit grazing in the reserve and remove offenders of these controls.

4․ The authority shall monitor and inspect periodically to ensure compliance with permits in the specified areas.

Article 5

The authority shall allow grazing inside the reserve for the period it specifies, subject to the following:

1․ Obtaining a permit through the website of the authority, in accordance with the conditions and requirements.

2․ Numbering livestock according to the requirements of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

3․ The presence of a valid health certificate for the permittee and those he sponsors.

4․ Grazing during the period from six o’clock in the morning until six o’clock in the evening.

5․ Disposing of waste by placing it in the designated places and it is prohibited to bury or burn waste of all kinds.

6․ The livestock owner shall be fully responsible for his livestock during grazing.

7․ Designating a small tent or mobile room “ezba” for the shepherd to be near the livestock and protect them, and it must be designated for that purpose only.

8․ Paying the financial fee (if any).

9․ Any other requirements set by the authority.

Article 6

Any of the following practices are considered a violation of the provisions of these controls:

1․ Practicing any activity other than grazing.

2․ Taking livestock out of the designated grazing range, or bringing in additional livestock from outside.

3․ Feeding the wildlife inside the reserve.

4․ Hunting or harming wildlife inside the reserve by injuring, frightening, endangering their lives, or destroying their nests and habitats.

5․ Driving vehicles—and the like—in routes other than those designated for them inside the reserve.

6․ Camping of all kinds (canopies fixed to the ground, sleeping tents, caravans, and privacy screens “ruwaq”) other than the tent of the shepherd.

7․ Lighting or using fire in violation of the controls and requirements of the authority.

8․ Any other practices that violate the relevant laws and regulations.

Article 7

The environmental inspector shall police violations in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant entities in accordance with the legal procedures for that.

Article 8

The authority shall review and update these controls periodically—when needed—with the approval of the head and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.

Article 9

These controls apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5069 issued on 14 February 2025.

Arabic

Issued by the Board of Directors of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority Decision D-1—T9/45 dated 24 Rajab 1445, amended by Administrative Decision 000034-25-001 dated 1 January 2025

Article 1

For the purposes of applying these controls, the following terms and phrases—wherever they appear—have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise:

Controls: The Controls for Visiting Saman Area.

Reserve: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve.

Authority: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Chief executive officer: The chief executive officer of the authority.

Zone: Part of the Saman area inside the scope of the reserve pursuant to Royal Order 42753 dated 28 Rajab 1442 [12 March 2021], with an estimated area of 12,436 km2 in accordance with the map attached to the controls.

Permit: A document granted by the authority to a person before visiting or traveling inside the zone.

Permittee: Any person who engages in activities with another person for the purpose of leisure, tourism, recreation, or otherwise inside the zone.

Article 2

These controls aim to regulate visiting and traveling in Saman area within the geographical scope of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in a manner that contributes to preserving the natural and plant environment and wildlife based on the Organizational Arrangements of the Royal Reserves Council and the Royal Reserves Development Authorities issued by Council of Ministers Decision 437 dated 1 Rajab 1441 [25 February 2020], as well as the Environmental Law issued by Royal Decree D/165 dated 19 Dhu Al-Qa ’dah 1441 [10 July 2020].

Article 3

The scope of application of these controls is exclusive to the zone, and the authority may specify other zones for which they apply.

Article 4

It is permitted to visit and travel inside the area from six o’clock in the morning until six o’clock in the evening, provided that entry to the area is registered on the website of the authority. It is prohibited to visit or travel during or outside these times without obtaining a permit from the authority—except for—inhabitants of the administrative centers located inside the zone (Manakh Center and Haira Center), which are both registered with the authority, and provided that the following conditions are complied with:

1․ Refraining from intentionally harming the nature of the zone, the wildlife and its associated animals or plants, or its aesthetic value.

2․ Maintaining the general cleanliness of the zone, and refraining from leaving waste of any kind, burying it, burning it, throwing it in places other than those designated for it, or taking it outside the zone.

3․ Following the safety and security procedures when traveling, and refraining from trampling vegetation or exposing the zone to pollution.

4․ Vehicle transportation inside the zone must be restricted to following previously established routes.

5․ Refraining from carrying out any works related to logging, firewood collection and transportation, hunting, or damaging any of the resources of the zone.

6․ Complying with not feeding animals or making noise that disturbs visitors or wildlife.

7․ Avoiding the use of vehicle horns inside the area except when necessary and to the minimum extent.

8․ Complying with the provisions of these controls, laws, decisions, and instructions issued in this regard related to it.

Article 5

The authority shall grant a permit for visiting or traveling inside the area outside the specified time stipulated in article 4 of these controls on the website of the authority, with the approval of the chief executive officer—or his representative—in accordance with the following mechanism:

1․ Submitting the permit application two working days prior to the date of visiting or traveling inside the area, provided that the permit applicant attaches the following requirements:

(a) A copy of a valid national identity/residency card.

(b) Date and time of the requested period.

(c) Mobile number, email, and national address.

(d) Vehicle details, as well as attaching a copy of the driver’s license.

(e) Coordinates of the location to be visited.

2․ The authority shall review the application and respond with approval/rejection within two working days from the date of receipt of the application and shall notify the permit applicant.

Article 6

Any of the following practices are considered a violation of the provisions of these controls:

1․ Providing incorrect information.

2․ Driving over vegetation by vehicles or creating new routes.

3․ Lighting fire in places other than those designated for it, such as a brazier “manqal” and the like.

4․ Camping of all kinds (canopies fixed to the ground, tents, caravans, and privacy screens “ruwaq”).

5․ Any form of harm to wildlife.

6․ Cutting, moving, or tampering with trees and plants.

7․ Refraining from collecting natural resources, such as flowers, rocks, and others.

8․ Refraining from entering with vehicles into meadows.

9․ Refraining from entering with motorcycles.

7․ Refraining from using local firewood and charcoal.

11․ Refraining from entering during unauthorized times, or entering without registering on the website of the authority during the authorised times.

12․ Any other practices that violate the relevant laws, regulations, and instructions.

Article 7

1․ The visitor shall leave the zone at the end of the authorized visiting period.

2․ The authority may seek recourse against the visitor to pay compensation in the event of damage, pollution, or environmental deterioration.

Article 8

The environmental inspector shall police violations in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant entities in accordance with the legal procedures for that.

Article 9

The authority shall review and update these controls periodically—when needed—with the approval of the head and the notification of the board of directors of the authority.

Article 10

These controls apply and come into force from the date of their publication in the official gazette.

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Published in Umm Al-Qura 5069 issued on 14 February 2025.