RIYADH: Lidia Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, visited the North Riyadh Geopark on Sunday, commending it for preserving both natural landscapes and historical heritage.
Her visit follows UNESCO’s April announcement designating North Riyadh Geopark as part of the Global Geoparks Network, which promotes the conservation of geological heritage and fosters sustainable development.
Brito was joined by Hussam Zuhair Al-Turki, director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, and Hamoud Alnughaymishi, director of the Science Sector at the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.
The delegation toured key features of the geopark, including the Abu Shaddad Cave and the Edge of the World cliff, as well as Ghamra Village, a popular site for natural adventure tourism near Riyadh.
According to the report, Brito said the park reflects Saudi Arabia’s rich natural and cultural diversity and will support the growth of eco-tourism in the Kingdom.
UNESCO also designated Salma Geopark in April, and Saudi Arabia aims to register 13 more sites in the Global Geoparks Network.
[Reported by Saudi Press Agency]
