A
range of institutions and organisations undertakes research on
the environment and ecological research comprises a substantial
part of overall environmental research in the Kingdom.
National
Research Institutions
Research projects undertaken at these institutions are directly
related to environmental issues that fall within the remit of
the particular organisation supporting the research institution.
KING
ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KACST)
KACST has seven research institutes that conduct applied research,
and the one most directly involved in biodiversity issues is the
Natural Resources and Environment Research Institute.
MINISTRY
OF AGRICULTURE
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for:
- National
Agriculture Research Centre / National Herbarium.
- Range and
Animal Development Centre at Al-Jawf.
MINISTRY
FOR ELECTRICITY AND WATER
Operation of the National Water Research Centre is the responsibility
of the ministry.
MINISTRY
OF DEFENSE
The Ministry of Defence has responsibility for research in territorial
waters and the preparation of maps for all of Saudi Arabia.
PRESIDENCY
FOR METEOROLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (PME)
The Meteorology and Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA) was founded
in 1981 to create and carry out programs to conserve, improve and
protect natural resources and the environment, as well as to control
air, water and land pollution to enhance "the health, safety
and welfare of the people and to promote their overall economic
and social well-being". In 2003 it became an independent parastatal
organisation, PME. The functions of the PME remain to:
- Conduct
environmental surveys
- Recommend
regulations and other measures
- Assess
levels of environmental pollution
- Stay abreast
of regional and international developments in environmental
protection, and establish standards and specifications.
NATIONAL
COMMISSION FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (NCWCD)
In addition to its own research staff, its research centres support
the NCWCD:
- National
Wildlife Research Centre (NWRC) is primarily responsible
for the captive breeding and release of Arabian Oryx and Houbara
bustard.
- King
Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) is responsible for the
captive breeding of gazelles and their reintroduction into NCWCD
protected areas.
- Jubail
Marine Wildlife Sanctuary is responsible for undertaking comprehensive
surveys of coastal and Arabian Gulf ecosystems.
- Al-Sudairy
Gazelle Centre is a satellite gazelle-breeding centre run by
the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre.
UNIVERSITIES
Individual staff members and departments within all eight of the
universities carry out research projects that contribute to knowledge
and understanding of biodiversity in the Kingdom.
Universities:
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