Arabian Leopard Fund Launches Scholarship to Train Future Conservationists for Protecting Endangered Big Cats

- First batch of 50 students will be offered specialised training at diploma, bachelor’s or master’s degree level

- Scholarship complements introduction of the Arabian Leopard Grant to champion innovative research and sustainable approaches in the conservation of this Critically Endangered sub-species

-New initiatives announced at official opening of Fund’s new headquarters in Riyadh, which will centralise conservation efforts

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 11 February 2024: The Arabian Leopard Fund has announced the launch of a 50-strong scholarship programme to provide the next generation of conservationists with the skills, knowledge, and practical know-how they need to safeguard the future of the Critically Endangered Arabian Leopard.

The new Arabian Leopard Scholarship Programme offers extensive training in diverse fields related to the most-up-to-date conservation techniques. Part of the AlUla Scholarships Programme, the first intake of 50 Saudi men and women, selected from a highly competitive batch of 300 applicants all from AlUla, will pursue specialisations at the diploma, bachelor, and master's degree levels.

A first-of-its-kind initiative, it builds on the Fund’s long-term investment in capacity building for future conservation leaders and experts around the region. The Fund’s ecosystem of training projects includes a fully funded partnership with the Durrell Conservation Academy in the UK and a training programme at the Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif, held in close collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, providing valuable skills development for the care of the Arabian Leopard.

The scholarship announcement complements the official release of the Arabian Leopard Grant, a series of micro-grants aimed at bolstering research and conservation efforts to rejuvenate populations of Arabian Leopards. With a total allocation of SAR 1M, the Grant will empower international conservationists, veterinarians, and scientists to engage in cutting-edge conservation work by offering targeted financial assistance to amplify their efforts.

By enabling a broad spectrum of stakeholders to undertake essential research and fieldwork, the Grant acts as a crucial tool for devising new strategies and efforts for tracking, protecting, and increasing the Arabian Leopard population, ensuring the species' recovery and future sustainability. 

The scholarship and micro-grant programme were both made public as the Arabian Leopard Fund marked another major milestone – the opening of its brand-new headquarters in Riyadh. All three announcements come just a day after the annual International Arabian Leopard Day, which was officially marked on 10 February.

Substantial advancements that will help galvanise the conservation community, the Fund’s Scholarship and Grant programmes, along with its KSA-based office, support its overarching objective to prevent the extinction of the Arabian Leopard.

Established with an initial endowment of USD 25M by Royal Decree in 2020, the Arabian Leopard Fund addresses the urgent challenge posed by the steep decline in Arabian Leopard populations, currently designated as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Arabian Leopard conservation, as outlined in the Vision 2030 plan, underscores a profound dedication to ecological and biodiversity protection. Through its conservation initiatives and programs, the Arabian Leopard Fund serves at the forefront of restoring the ecological balance in the region. 

Waleed Aldayel, Managing Director of the Arabian Leopard Fund, said: “The Arabian Leopard Grant is a significant step in the global wildlife conservation narrative, showcasing Saudi Arabia's leadership in environmental stewardship and commitment to preserving the natural heritage of the Arabian Leopard for generations to come.”

“The launch of the new Arabian Leopard Scholarship Programme, along with the availability of new and important sources of funding via the Arabian Leopard Grant, expands our work to new regions, communities, and destinations while at the same time inviting the development and nurturing of new ideas that will help us to achieve our long-term goal – to safeguard the future of the Arabian Leopard.

“This is a significant milestone for our organisation which will allows us to centrally manage and expand our regional conservation efforts. We congratulate our first batch of scholars who will help us shape the future of Arabian Leopard conservation and look forward to doubling down on our initiatives in the months ahead, all of which brings us closer to saving this rare sub-species.”

The Arabian Leopard Fund invites conservationists, researchers, veterinarians and other interested individuals to apply for this transformative conservation endeavour. For detailed information on the grant, eligibility criteria, and application process, please visit www.alf.org or contact [email protected].