The Hidden Paradise
Saudi oil is predicted to run out by 2030. Can eco-tourism save the economy?
By Ahmed Almansouri
Saudi Arabia has the most known oil reserves in the world and the country heavily depends on it for its income.
Unfortunately, it is bound to run out in 2030, according to a report compiled by Citigroup Inc.
What are some of the solutions to replace the gap oil will leave behind? Saudi Arabia has been benefiting from many improvements implemented over the years. More universities and schools are opening each year and also the King Abdullah Scholarship is a very important step that will benefit the country in the long term; from elementary school to college, free education is offered with a monthly salary and also healthcare is free.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in infrastructure, from roads, railways, airports and ports to communication. It is apparent that Saudi Arabia has tackled many aspects in finding a way of income when 2030 looms in. One thing that was not tackled is Eco-Tourism.
Eco-tourism is the answer to a big problem. Saudi Arabia has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the Middle East, if not in the world. Eco-tourism is to travel to areas of natural or ecological interest, typically under the guidance of a naturalist, for the purpose of observing wildlife and learning about the environment.
Saudi Arabia has more than 12 national and regional parks. The natural setting greatly varies from arid and semi-arid deserts to semi-arid mountain forests. Tourists can engage in activities including guided walks, wildlife viewing, swimming and diving near coral reefs, hiking, camping, and four-wheel-drive safaris into desert areas.
The more courageous tourists can try the unique experience of dune bashing, which is riding in a car with an experienced driver and speeding over sand dunes. The Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia, has some of the largest sand dunes in the world, measuring up to several meters high. While on the dune bashing, you can spot some of the beautiful desert animals like oryx, ibex, gazelles or even the rare Arabian mountain leopard.
Moving from the desert landscape to the forests, which are predominantly present in the Asir region; the tree species there include acacia, juniper, tamarisk, olive, guava, banana, and citrus.
Al-Ahsa, an area two hours southwest form Dhahran, is famous for its oasis. It is the largest oasis in the world with over 1.5 million palm trees. This oasis supports a lot of agriculture and has limestone caves in which many bats live in. There are caverns and lava tubes in other areas too.
Horticulture, the science of plant cultivation for human use, and market gardening are considered an important business in Saudi Arabia. They are mostly present in the northwest region and wide ranges of exotic flowers are grown for the domestic market and for export. Visits to these gardens can be arranged in advance.
The wetlands, another natural resource, includes ponds, perennial streams, springs, salt marshes, artificial wetlands and wadis. There are also man-made water resources including irrigation canal systems, dams and reservoirs.
With great diverse floras, comes a great deal of diverse fauna. That includes endemic species of fish, amphibians, and vertebrates. Millions of birds migrating across the Arabian Peninsula and use natural resources during their passage.
In the Red Sea near Jazan, lies the Farasan Islands archipelago. It has a very unique biological diversity and it supports mangroves, salt marshes, coral reefs, sea-grass and seaweed beds. Endangered species like the dugong, green and hawksbill turtles are associated with this marine area. Activities include diving, snorkeling and other leisure activities along the reef.
Many areas in Saudi Arabia have natural settings suitable for Eco-Tourism. There are two cities, Mekkah and Medina, which are not included in the Eco-Tourism plan. They are Holy cities and are purely for religious reasons. These cities are mostly mountainous regions and are not suitable for eco-tourism.
Women are starting to be more involved in Saudi society. With recently being able to vote in the Shura council and make up 20% of the Shura Council themselves. The Shura Council is the formal advisory body that proposes laws to the King. With this steady change continuing, Women would be perfect in leading this Eco-Tourism project. It will be face-changing image for Saudi Arabia and it will show progression of this young country. Eco-Tourism will show the real beauty of Saudi Arabia lead by the ambitious youth of men and women.
Eco-Tourism is the one of the strongest solutions to the inevitable oil crisis in 2030. Saudi Arabia has many beautiful natural sceneries that could save us from the financial crisis that is bound to happen. I predict that women will play an important role in implementing this project and the future looks bright!
