RIYADH: UNESCO has recognized Saudi Arabia’s geological diversity by adding the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark to its global network — marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts.
This prestigious designation opens new frontiers for geological tourism, scientific research, and international collaboration.
Hussam Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, emphasized that this achievement transcends mere classification. It represents a strategic vision deeply aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in environmental sustainability.
“From the beginning, we aspired for these geoparks to be more than geological sites — they are living platforms that narrate Earth’s stories, bearing witness to the passage of time and reflecting the rich natural diversity we possess,” Al-Turki told Arab News.
Each geopark boasts a unique geological character. North Riyadh Geopark offers visitors fossilized coral reefs dating back over 150 million years, alongside limestone caves and mountain ranges that unveil geological transformations.
Salma Geopark in Hail presents a dramatic landscape of rare volcanic formations, including calderas, lava fields, and volcanic craters that chronicle millions of years of geological activity.
Beyond tourism, these geoparks represent promising research platforms. Universities and scientific centers, both locally and internationally, now have unprecedented opportunities to study Earth’s layers and natural phenomena.
Al-Turki noted that the project adheres to the highest global standards, with UNESCO conducting rigorous evaluations before approving the sites.
This classification sends a clear message to the world: preserving geological heritage is not a luxury but a developmental commitment and an investment in a green future.
“With additional sites under development, Saudi Arabia is redefining humanity’s relationship with the Earth,” Al-Turki concluded.
