Aramco’s commitment to biodiversity conservation in Saudi Arabia is being highlighted in a newly released video series produced by National Geographic Creative Works. The videos were launched today (Sept. 11) on Aramco LIFE, and the series will also be broadcast internationally on select National Geographic television channels and promoted on the society’s website. The films will include an in-depth look at Aramco’s work on protection areas designated for migratory birds and other flora and fauna, and artificial reefs being constructed to help restore marine ecosystems. The company’s continued focus on supporting local communities will also be showcased, with one video looking at the help provided to honey and coffee manufacturers in the Kingdom. Here, we take a look at the subjects that the five videos will cover: The video is blocked You need to give permission Bird migration Saudi Arabia is home to hundreds of bird species — many of which are migratory. The country is an important avian breeding ground and migration path due to its diverse environments and geography, being located along the bird migration flyway between East Africa and Eurasia. Aramco has designated several Biodiversity Protection Areas, covering more than 1,069 square kilometers — which offer a safe haven for migratory birds on their arduous journey — with extensive areas of native vegetation and a refuge from illegal hunting and trapping. So far, over 90 species of migrating birds have been recorded using these areas throughout the year. These include several species that are classified as globally threatened, or nationally high priorities for conservation. The video is blocked You need to give permission Shaybah Wildlife Sanctuary Aramco’s Shaybah Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in the vast Empty Quarter desert, is home to three Arabian species that were previously on the brink of extinction. The Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and red-necked ostrich all became locally extinct due to hunting, off-road driving, camel grazing, and threats from non-native species. The last wild ostrich in the Arabian Peninsula was shot in 1972, but a few remained alive in captivity that were used to set up a breeding and reintroduction program. All three species now roam freely in the 637 square kilometer fenced sanctuary, along with other species of rare animals and plants. The video is blocked You need to give permission Marine protection Coral reefs are ecosystems that provide habitats and breeding grounds to thousands of species. The Kingdom’s diverse marine ecosystem includes distinct species of coral, several species of marine mammals — among them are whales, dolphins, and dugongs — over 1,000 species of fish, and the globally-threatened hawksbill turtle. Warmer temperatures due to climate change, coastal development, spills due to the Gulf War, over fishing, and industrialization has significantly impacted the health of reefs around Saudi Arabia. To help rebuild marine ecosystems and support local fisheries, Aramco has deployed several artificial reefs in the waters of the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. The video is blocked You need to give permission Circular economy The key idea of a circular economy is to retain the highest value of company resources to maximize environmental, economic, and social benefits. Saudi Arabia and Aramco have adopted the circularity business framework to improve and sustain critical environmental aspects by advancing circular solutions and technologies to turn waste streams into valuable resources, conserve water resources, extend asset life cycle, reduce carbon foot-print, and create an effective industrial ecosystem and biodiversity. Using innovative technologies, circular carbon economy is potentially accelerated where CO2 can be captured and reused as useful products including chemicals, fuels, and food and beverages. The video is blocked You need to give permission Microbusinesses — honey and coffee Community initiatives across the country have helped provide more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Aramco, in collaboration with the Beekeepers Cooperative Association, helped introduce modern beekeeping methods to more than 3,000 people in Al Bahah, Asir, Taif, and Al Madinah, with more than 70,000 tree seedlings planted so far for bees to pollinate. More than 1,000 coffee farmers in the Jazan and Asir mountains have also received training and support to help advance the industry, including new irrigation tools. This work was carried out to improve the presence of the coffee industry in these areas. Content has been produced for Aramco by National Geographic Creative Works. Facts and figures, as included in the videos, were correct as at time of filming.