The Unfenced Desert Towards a strategy for eco ... - Nwrc.gov.sa

♦ National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC)
Summary Assessment Notes
Scenic and landscape : Attractive, but not spectacular rock formations and
natural vegetation.
Wildlife : Unrivalled site for viewing native Arabian species.
Cultural/historical : Rock paintings have only limited public appeal, but
could be developed as part of a tour in the extension.
Existing facilities : Some day, and limited overnight, visits currently
possible and underway, with scope for expansion of
numbers without major new facilities being required. A
more natural setting for wildlife displays would be
possible, but would require significant development.
Location and access : Easily reached as a day trip from major urban centres.
Sensitivity / security : With regulated or restricted access around certain
animals facilities and enclosures, the NWRC could
easily cope with a reasonable volume of visitors.
Potential activities : Guided tours, by bus, car or on foot, of the NWRC
animal collections, with viewing of educational videos
and talks by staff; visitor centre, lookout points and
circuit drives or walks, with picnic areas, could be
established in the NR extension area, with a selection
of animals visible within large natural enclosures.
Rating
1 = highly suitable for tourism; 2 = moderately suitable for tourism; 3 = unsuitable for
tourism at the present time, or with specialised or limited public appeal or capacity only;
4 = unsuitable for tourism in the foreseeable future.
Scenery : 2
Wildlife : 1
Cultural/historical : 3
Facilities : 1
Access : 1
Sensitivity : 1
Summed Ratings = 9
Ranking 1=/12
Category Group 1: High priority for tourism development.
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