RIYADH: The first 21 trainees have graduated from the Scouts Elite program, organized by the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority in cooperation with the University of Tabuk. A statement by KSRNR on Tuesday said: “The Royal Reserve Development Authority is keen to involve and develop local communities in its various elements and make them the main pillar. “The program aimed to create a new model for the scout functioning, in addition to raising technical and professional competence, and involving local communities through employment.” The first Scouts Elite program lasted six months, during which trainees practiced skills to protect the environment, wildlife and natural resources. It included practical and theoretical exercises on the ground inside the royal reserve. The trainees also took part in an awareness program focusing on the importance of preserving biodiversity and wildlife, and cooperating with the local community. The 21 trainees had graduated from the Faculty of Science at the University of Tabuk before taking part in the Scouts Elite program, which was supervised by experts from inside and outside the Kingdom.