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

♦ Raydah
Summary Assessment Notes
Scenic and landscape : Superb section of mature escarpment juniper cloud
forest with wonderful views.
Wildlife : Native birds, including endemics, may be seen by
patient visitors; forest vegetation would be a draw
card.
Cultural/historical : Traditional terrace agriculture and bee-keeping could
of interest, along with old watch towers in the lower
areas.
Existing facilities : With accommodation readily available in Abha and
Soudah, the reserve needs only to provide modest
reception facilities, with toilets and rubbish disposal.
Location and access : The top of the reserve is readily accessible from the Al
Soudah road. Access down the escarpment is via a
steep track subject to erosion. Walking access to
upper parts of the reserve would be appropriate.
Sensitivity / security : Safe for visitors, but the small size of the area means
that human activities would need to be regulated.
Potential activities : The football field near the top of the escarpment
should be secured for the reserve to eliminate the
rubbish problem use of the area currently generates. It
would be an excellent site for a visitor centre -
providing views over the reserve. Walking tours, would
be appropriate as far down as the farm, which could be
managed as a viewpoint. Specialist bird tours would be
possible,
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 : 1
Wildlife : 2
Cultural/historical : 2
Facilities : 3
Access : 1
Sensitivity : 2
Summed Ratings = 11
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