Extreme E reveals NEOM legacy programme on World Wildlife Day
The sport for purpose championship is returning to NEOM for the second consecutive year, not only to race but to support two major environmental initiatives - the first of which is rewilding in the region.
The rewilding, launched in collaboration with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), represents an ambitious approach for restoring ecosystems through the reintroduction of several species that were once common in the deserts of Northwest Saudi Arabia, where NEOM is located.
On 9 March, just ahead of the Extreme E opening race weekend, team personnel, including several of the drivers, will travel to the NEOM Nature Reserve and assist in the release of Arabian Oryx, Red Necked Ostrich, and Arabian Sand Gazelles.
This reintroduction of the animals represents a pivotal moment in the restoration of Nature in NEOM, as these prominent but vulnerable species have not roamed freely here for over a century.
Jan Paterson, Managing Director of Sport at NEOM, said: “The release of these animals into the NEOM Nature Reserve further showcases Extreme E’s commitment to leave a lasting impact in every region they visit. This is why we continue to be proud hosts of Extreme E and enjoy the restorative journey that we are on together.”
Covering a vast area of 25,000 km2 NEOM’s Nature Reserve plays host to one of the largest rewilding programmes in the world and, with Extreme E’s help, the arrival of the animals marks the most significant stage yet of NEOM’s wider nature restoration efforts that will help to deliver the nature conservation aims of Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI ).
In addition, and following on from their 2022 Legacy Programme, Extreme E will also work alongside NEOM continuing to support their major regreening initiative by planting yet more trees in the region. Through the establishment of a world-class protected area, the mission is to preserve 95 per cent of NEOM’s land and sea for nature and implement a program based on protection, restoration, and rewilding.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “The ambition for NEOM and its targets have the same values of Extreme E. NEOM’s principle of 100 per cent sustainability meets the values of our championship. By continuing our support for these crucial legacy initiatives, we are making a real and lasting difference to the biodiversity of this area.
“Alongside the regreening initiative that Extreme E is continuing to support here, the reintroduction of endangered species to the area will be truly exciting. I, for one, cannot wait to see these beautiful animals being resettled into the wild here, it will be a wonderful spectacle and I am so proud that our championship is helping to support this.”
