Page 27 - Inside K&A - March 2019
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PROJECTS
On the gently sloping parts of Hail Today 18 km of the Wadi is occupied
desert in north-central Saudi Arabia by urban developed areas, causing
stretches a natural valley of 130 km unprecedented challenges to its
length, Wadi Al-Udayra, that has sustainable ecosystem. As a result
become a natural habitat to a growing of burgeoning communities in its
population of different species thanks surroundings, an increasing amount
to its wealth of surface water. The Wadi, of road infrastructure and utilities
that breaks though the Hail region, is networks have been developed
a natural ecosystem with national – if underneath the Wadi. In addition, the
not globally important – wetlands shallow subsurface water levels in
that play a vital role in managing the the city and Wadi lead to the invasive
hydrological cycle, and enriching growth of reed vegetation (Phragmitis).
the natural ecosystem. Vegetation The slow flow of water, coupled
provides additional treatment of with the intensity of soil and reed
organic contaminants and encourages vegetation, is causing stagnant water
infiltration of water into the soil, aiding pockets inside the river. As a result,
the recharge of underground aquifers, it has become a breeding ground for
gathering excess water during flash swarms of insects and a littering site
floods and anchoring the soil, thus for residents, negatively impacting the
reducing erosion.
Wadi (visually and ecologically).
ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION AND
RESTORATION OF WADI AL-UDAYRA
In response to the degradation of the
environment and the challenges it has
created, Khatib & Alami (K&A) has
been appointed to assess and propose
solutions to prevent and mitigate
environmental deterioration. In addition,
K&A will restore the Wadi’s vegetation,
environmental and ecological conditions,
and recommend a multidimensional
transformative program, dovetailed with
long-term sustainable measures, to help
reposition the Wadi as a center of social
interaction and recreational areas.
“This project is a national dream,” says
Project Director Dr. Ali Zeidan. “To
transform this Wadi into an ecological
and sustainable green corridor that
preserves its wealth of lakes, stream
corridors, wetlands, and desert parks
in order to restore its biodiversity is a
multidisciplinary undertaking.”
He adds: “It will necessitate a diverse
team of planning, environmental,
landscaping and ecological experts
to look into the preservation and
conservation of the Wadi, from
protecting its water resources, to
enhancing its landscapes and installing
green infrastructure in its surrounding
communities. Furthermore, we are
proposing a strategic development
plan to explore the city’s touristic and
economic potential.” à
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