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RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority recently announced the first discovery of a Maerua crassifolia tree, known as the sarh tree, at the reserve.

The discovery occurred during field surveys by experts from the reserve to identify and protect rare plant species while promoting the sustainability of natural habitats.

The sarh tree is part of the Capparaceae family and grows up to 10 meters tall, with a stunted, twisted bole about 25 centimeters in diameter.

The sarh tree is native to Africa and grows in the wild throughout the Middle East, including the Arabian Peninsula and desert areas of the Levant.

It is threatened by land overuse and overgrazing, although it plays an essential role in stabilizing the ecosystem by enhancing vegetation cover, supporting wildlife, and maintaining ecological balance in dry regions such as the kingdom’s harsh climate.

“The sarh plant was once widespread in the Najd region, but its numbers have declined significantly due to excessive woodcutting, as its wood was highly sought after for its hardness and quality,” said Abdullah Alowaifeer, director general of environment and sustainability at King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority.

Alowaifeer added: “We thought it had gone extinct in the reserve, but thankfully, we recently managed to discover a single tree.

“The importance of the sarh lies in being a wild tree that can withstand harsh conditions. It also serves as a natural carbon store and an important refuge for birds and wildlife.”

According to the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, the tree was found in the Wadi Al-Shawki area.

Mahir Al-Qathami, CEO of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, described the discovery of the tree as a “success” of the scientific efforts by the authority to study and document the natural environment, SPA reported.

He further said that continuous field surveys are essential for monitoring rare species and for developing strategies to protect and sustain them.

In addition, the royal reserve started implementing a protection plan right after the recent discovery, including fencing the site, conducting regular monitoring, installing an informational sign about the tree’s environmental importance, and collecting seeds to increase the plant’s numbers in other locations in the reserve.

“We are currently working on rehabilitating this plant species by establishing a dedicated nursery, collecting seeds and growing seedlings in preparation for replanting them in their natural habitats, with the goal of reviving the species and enhancing biodiversity in the reserve,” Alowaifeer said.

RIYADH: The Embassy of Switzerland hosted a National Day reception in Riyadh on Wednesday, marking the 734th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. 

Ambassador of Switzerland to ����ֱ�� Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen said: “In 1291, three Alpine cantons made a treaty, an alliance for cooperation and mutual defense against foreign powers, who luckily all happened to be our best friends today.”

The ambassador underscored the strong and enduring ties between Switzerland and the Kingdom, which led to the launch of the first Saudi-Swiss Hospitality Forum in Diriyah. 

“Your presence testifies to the depth of our relations and the bonds of friendship between the governments and people of ����ֱ�� and Switzerland.

“The partnership between Switzerland and ����ֱ�� is based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the spirit of innovation,” she said. 

Zwahlen highlighted Switzerland’s support for ����ֱ��’s Vision 2030, particularly in hospitality and education.

“Tonight, I want to shed light on one particular sector. I would like to highlight the sector that is at the heart of Vision 2030 and in which Switzerland happens to be a world leader. It is the hospitality industry and hospitality education,” she said.

She noted recent joint initiatives, including the launch of the Swiss Hospitality Network in ����ֱ��, a platform for collaboration between stakeholders from the two nations. 

Zwahlen also announced the launch of the first-ever Saudi-Swiss Hospitality Forum, set to take place in Bab Samhan in Diriyah on Wednesday, which is designed to accelerate and deepen cooperation.

The forum aims to strengthen ties between Swiss hospitality schools and Saudi entities in human capital development, hospitality education, and cultural excellence, within the framework of Vision 2030.

“����ֱ�� continues its inspiring journey of rapid reform.

“Swiss partners are proudly accompanying these endeavors in areas like transport, education, culture, hospitality, hospitality training, health, clean technology, FinTech, industrial development, and many other sectors,” Zwahlen said. 

On global affairs, she commended the Kingdom for promoting peace through international solutions and dialogue. “When we gathered here in 2023 and 2024, we reflected together on the suffering caused by conflicts in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and beyond.”

“Allow me now to acknowledge and express my appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s role in co-facilitating the UN conference on the two-state solution and everything which follows.

“Switzerland, on our side, supports the New York Declaration and its implementation, with the hope of restoring a political perspective grounded in international law and the two-state vision,” she added.

During the reception, the ambassador praised the two event moderators and the youngest members of her team, from ����ֱ�� and Switzerland, as examples of close cooperation, expressing pride in the future generation of diplomats.

In her closing remarks, she said: “Long live ����ֱ��, long live Switzerland, and long live the Saudi-Swiss friendship.” 

The celebration was attended by high-level officials and diplomats, including Faisal Al-Sudairy, undersecretary of the Riyadh region, who represented Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar.