Saudi Arabia has reintroduced critically endangered red-necked ostriches into the 24,500 sq km Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve to replace the extinct Arabian ostrich, hailed as a biodiversity milestone under Vision 2030.
Critics question if this environmental PR masks greenwashing amid FIFA 2034’s projected massive carbon emissions from stadiums and infrastructure, conflicting with global sports governance standards on sustainability, human rights, and transparency.
Saudi Arabia has unveiled a landmark conservation effort by releasing five critically endangered red-necked ostriches into the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, aiming to revive a species extinct in the region for over 80 years.
According to a report by Smithsonian Magazine in its Smart News section, the initiative seeks to replace the Arabian ostrich, which vanished due to hunting and habitat loss in the early 20th century. Gulf Good News, in an article titled “Red-Necked Ostrich Returns to Saudi Desert in Landmark Rewilding Effort,” details how the red-necked ostrich, dubbed the “camel bird,” serves as its closest genetic relative and the 12th of 23 species for reintroduction in the reserve’s restoration plan.
The 24,500 square kilometre reserve, encompassing terrestrial and marine landscapes, positions this as a step towards rebuilding desert ecosystems shaped by large grazers, per statements from reserve CEO Andrew Zaloumis.
This development coincides with Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, awarded unopposed in December 2024, raising questions under FIFA’s human rights and sustainability frameworks.
Ostrich Reintroduction Details
The reintroduction targets the red-necked ostrich (Struthio camelus gallae), selected for its adaptability to arid environments akin to the extinct Arabian ostrich (Struthio camelus syriacus). Smithsonian Magazine reports the birds’ arrival as a “rare” effort to restore ecological balance lost over a century ago.
Gulf Good News attributes the project to a board-approved conservation plan within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, covering expansive desert areas once roamed by these influential species. Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the reserve, stated:
“The return of the ostrich represents a crucial step in rebuilding desert ecosystems historically shaped by large grazing and browsing animals,”
reflecting commitments to conservation and Saudi natural heritage revival.
Khaleej Times coverage, titled
“Critically endangered ‘camel bird’ returns to Saudi Arabia reserve,”
echoes this, noting the species’ historical role across the Arabian Peninsula. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reintroduce 23 native species, positioning the ostrich as the 12th.
Vision 2030 Conservation Context
This effort aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which pledges to protect 30% of its land by 2030 and restore biodiversity. The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, named after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, spans 24,500 sq km and integrates marine areas for holistic restoration.
Arab News, in
“How Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is restoring nature,”
highlights similar ambitions for ecosystem revival. Supporters view it as genuine sustainability leadership, with Zaloumis emphasising long-term ecological processes.
FIFA 2034 Hosting Framework
FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia the 2034 men’s World Cup on 11 December 2024, as reported by NPR: “Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 FIFA World Cup,” noting the sole bid’s approval despite human rights concerns. FIFA’s bidding process requires adherence to its Human Rights Policy, including labour rights, transparency, and environmental standards.
The Conversation article
“FIFA has a human rights policy, so how could it award Saudi Arabia the 2034 soccer World Cup?”
by experts questions compliance, citing press freedom and migrant worker issues. Plans involve 8-15 new stadiums, airport expansions, and NEOM city integration, per Finance & Commerce: “Construction for World Cup 2034 to be harmful for climate, experts say”.
Environmental Impact Analysis
FIFA mandates sustainability in hosting, yet experts predict 2034 as the most carbon-intensive World Cup. The Conversation warns of “new stadiums, airports and oil links: the environmental cost of Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup,” projecting emissions nearly double Qatar 2022’s due to scale and desert host cities. Concrete production alone accounts for 8% of global CO2, amplified by 15+ stadiums.
Play the Game states:
“Saudi Arabia’s grandiose stadium plans mock FIFA’s climate claims,”
highlighting white elephant risks in arid zones. AGSI analysis “Saudi World Cup 2034: The Sports-Sustainability Nexus” notes water scarcity threats from grass pitches and cooling systems.
Contrastingly, ESSMAG promotes “Saudi Arabia 2034: An opportunity for sustainable sports innovation,” touting green tech potential. The ostrich project’s 24,500 sq km restoration claim—per Gulf Good News—clashes with mega-project desert disruption.
Governance and Rights Concerns
FIFA’s standards demand transparency and labour protections, yet Saudi records raise flags. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) reports:
“The Saudi sportswashing agenda behind FIFA’s Club World Cup,”
linking events to rights abuses. European Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (ECDHR) deems the 2034 award “a step backward for human rights”.
Civicus Lens claims “Saudi sportswashing plunges new depths,” tying investments to suppressing dissent. Human Rights Watch (2023) labelled Saudi Women’s World Cup sponsorship “newest sportswashing strategy”. Wikipedia on “Sportswashing in Saudi Arabia” catalogues LIV Golf, Newcastle FC buys as deflection from Khashoggi murder and arrests.
Press freedom ranks low; BBC (2022) questioned NEOM’s “green truth” amid evictions. Northeastern News notes “Saudi Arabia’s Sports Investments, Vision 2030 Met with Doubt” over ethical lapses.
Sportswashing and Greenwashing Debate
The ostrich reintroduction, elite-led via MBS-named reserve, exemplifies greenwashing claims. Gulf Good News hails it as “landmark rewilding,” but critics see PR offsetting FIFA emissions. BBC Sport reports FIFA’s hope: “2034 World Cup can improve Saudi human rights”.
Global stakeholders, including Amnesty and HRW, decry sportswashing; fans and civil society urge boycotts. The Conversation probes policy gaps. Neutral observers note potential reforms, as Arab News promotes reserve successes.
Stakeholder Implications
International bodies like FIFA face accountability pressure; UN rapporteurs criticised 2034 bid. Fans risk ethical dilemmas; civil groups amplify via campaigns. Hosting could spur changes, per FIFA, but evidence from Qatar lingers.
Broader Global Context
This fits debates on ethical hosting post-Qatar 2022 deaths. Vision 2030’s dual fossil fuels-conservation push mirrors UAE/China models. FIFA’s 2034 choice tests reforms; transparency lags. As ADHRB warns, mega-events entrench opacity.
Saudi officials defend via sustainability pledges. Ongoing scrutiny from Play the Game and others persists. The ostrich story, while positive, underscores tensions between PR and practice.