Toward a sensitive sustainability framework for mountainous parks under saudi vision 2030:the case of raghadan forest park

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, this study develops a context-sensitive sustainability framework tailored to the unique environmental and cultural characteristics of mountainous parks. Raghadan Forest Park in the Al-Baha region serves as a representative case for examining the practical implementation of sustainability-oriented policies within a sensitive ecological and socio-cultural context. The research critically evaluates the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic strategies applied in the park, identifying their effectiveness in addressing key challenges such as resource scarcity, biodiversity conservation, and growing recreational demands. The research critically evaluates the environmental, socio-cultural, and economic strategies applied in the park, identifying their effectiveness in addressing key challenges such as resource scarcity, biodiversity conservation, and growing recreational demands. Through comparative benchmarking with international parks, the study highlights both strengths—such as native vegetation use, terraced landscape management, and community-oriented initiatives—and persistent gaps in renewable energy integration, waste management, and visitor impact control. The findings emphasize the necessity of adopting holistic, evidence-based approaches that integrate ecological resilience, cultural heritage preservation, and economic diversification. Ultimately, the study proposes a comprehensive framework that positions Raghadan Forest Park as a pioneering model for sustainable landscape development in Saudi Arabia’s mountainous regions—balancing environmental integrity, social inclusivity, and long-term economic viability under the national sustainability vision.