The Unfenced Desert Towards a strategy for eco ... - Nwrc.gov.sa
The Unfenced Desert Towards a strategy for eco ... - Nwrc.gov.sa
The Unfenced Desert Towards a strategy for eco ... - Nwrc.gov.sa
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Scenic and landscape : Pristine example of mature juniper <strong>for</strong>est with outstanding<br />
escarpment scenery.<br />
154<br />
Wildlife : Native birds, including significant numbers of endemics,<br />
may be seen by patient and motivated visitors. Other animal species not readily seen,<br />
but <strong>for</strong>est vegetation likely to have broad public appeal.<br />
Cultural/historical : Traditional terrace agriculture and bee-keeping could be<br />
points of interest, along with ruined watch towers in the lower parts of the<br />
escarpment.<br />
Existing facilities : With accommodation of all standards readily available in<br />
Abha and As-Soudah, the reserves needs only to provide modest reception facilities,<br />
with toilets and rubbish dispo<strong>sa</strong>l. <strong>The</strong>se however, are essential in order to minimise<br />
potential human impacts.<br />
Location and access : <strong>The</strong> top of the reserve is easily reached from the As-<br />
Soudah road. Access down the escarpment itself is more problematical, due to the<br />
steep track and the need to limit traffic to minimise erosion. Walking access to upper<br />
parts of the reserve would be most appropriate.<br />
Sensitivity / security : Safe <strong>for</strong> visitors, but the small size of the reserve mean that<br />
human activities would need to be closely regulated.<br />
Potential activities : if the football field near the top of the escarpment could be<br />
secured <strong>for</strong> the reserve it would eliminate the rubbish problem that unregulated use of<br />
the area currently generates, and would be an excellent site <strong>for</strong> a visitor centre -<br />
providing visual access over the best parts of the reserve. Walking tours, possibly<br />
guided, would be appropriate, perhaps as far down as the farm, which could be tidied<br />
and managed as a viewpoint and picnic site. Specialist birding tours would be<br />
possible also.<br />
Rating<br />
1 = highly suitable <strong>for</strong> tourism; 2 = moderately suitable <strong>for</strong> tourism; 3 =<br />
unsuitable <strong>for</strong> tourism at the present time, or with specialised or limited public<br />
appeal or capacity only; 4 = unsuitable <strong>for</strong> tourism in the <strong>for</strong>eseeable future.<br />
Scenery : 1<br />
Wildlife : 2<br />
Cultural/historical : 2<br />
Facilities : 3<br />
Access : 1<br />
Sensitivity : 2<br />
Summed Ratings = 11<br />
Ranking 4/12<br />
Category Group 1: High priority <strong>for</strong> tourism development.