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<p>Managing the interplay between economic growth and nature conservation to achieve future sustainability is an arduous task, especially with the inevitable threats posed by increasing anthropogenic pressures to the fragile ecological systems. The conventional ways of habitat conservation, such as baseline measurements serving as a reference for policy-makers, are often lengthy, tedious, and an expensive operation requiring high manpower to yield superior outcomes. In this study, we introduced a novel decision-making spatial mapping tool with the aim of reducing the potential exposure of ecologically sensitive habitats from human impacts. We developed the Terrestrial Environmental Sensitivity Index Map (TESIM) focused on Saudi Arabia by employing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, specifically the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. Biodiversity and cultural heritage indicators—including protected areas, endangered plants, migratory bird sites, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, turtles, springs, and archaeological sites—were integrated into a weighted overlay model. Our results revealed spatial variations in ecological sensitivity, with the southwestern highlands, Red Sea coast, and Arabian Gulf coastal zones emerging as biodiversity hotspots. Our study concluded that TESIM presents a proactive decision-support tool for environmental management and biodiversity conservation. Policy recommendations include integration of TESIM into national risk platforms, support for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and future expansion to marine-terrestrial interfaces.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p> <p>This graphical abstract summarizes a GIS-based approach for mapping conservation priorities by integrating ecological and cultural information. The upper left panel depicts 12 biodiversity and cultural inputs distributed across Saudi Arabia—icons indicate representative layers such as habitats, vegetation, water sources, and heritage features. These diverse datasets are first prepared through Data Standardization (bottom left), where inputs are harmonized to a common projection, resolution, and value range so they can be compared directly.At the center, a SAW workflow shows the repeatable steps used to build the index. The process begins by defining the Goal, then creating or compiling Derived Datasets. Next, standardized layers are produced, weights are assigned to reflect their relative importance, and a weighted overlay is performed—summing the standardized layers multiplied by their weights. The Analyze step closes the loop by evaluating outputs and, if needed, iterating to refine assumptions or weights.The Key Insights panel (bottom right) illustrates the final composite map, where colors highlight areas with higher combined ecological and cultural value. Together, the panels communicate a transparent, lightweight decision support method: multiple evidence streams are normalized, weighted, and integrated to reveal priority zones for planning, conservation, and heritage stewardship across the region.</p>

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Mapping Environmental Sensitivity in Saudi Arabia’s Arid Zones Using GIS and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月2日

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  • Azher Hussain Syed,
  • Omer Rehman Reshi,
  • Asif Raihan,
  • Bijoy Mitra,
  • Jeff Bogart R Abrogueña

摘要

Managing the interplay between economic growth and nature conservation to achieve future sustainability is an arduous task, especially with the inevitable threats posed by increasing anthropogenic pressures to the fragile ecological systems. The conventional ways of habitat conservation, such as baseline measurements serving as a reference for policy-makers, are often lengthy, tedious, and an expensive operation requiring high manpower to yield superior outcomes. In this study, we introduced a novel decision-making spatial mapping tool with the aim of reducing the potential exposure of ecologically sensitive habitats from human impacts. We developed the Terrestrial Environmental Sensitivity Index Map (TESIM) focused on Saudi Arabia by employing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, specifically the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. Biodiversity and cultural heritage indicators—including protected areas, endangered plants, migratory bird sites, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, turtles, springs, and archaeological sites—were integrated into a weighted overlay model. Our results revealed spatial variations in ecological sensitivity, with the southwestern highlands, Red Sea coast, and Arabian Gulf coastal zones emerging as biodiversity hotspots. Our study concluded that TESIM presents a proactive decision-support tool for environmental management and biodiversity conservation. Policy recommendations include integration of TESIM into national risk platforms, support for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and future expansion to marine-terrestrial interfaces.

Graphical Abstract

This graphical abstract summarizes a GIS-based approach for mapping conservation priorities by integrating ecological and cultural information. The upper left panel depicts 12 biodiversity and cultural inputs distributed across Saudi Arabia—icons indicate representative layers such as habitats, vegetation, water sources, and heritage features. These diverse datasets are first prepared through Data Standardization (bottom left), where inputs are harmonized to a common projection, resolution, and value range so they can be compared directly.At the center, a SAW workflow shows the repeatable steps used to build the index. The process begins by defining the Goal, then creating or compiling Derived Datasets. Next, standardized layers are produced, weights are assigned to reflect their relative importance, and a weighted overlay is performed—summing the standardized layers multiplied by their weights. The Analyze step closes the loop by evaluating outputs and, if needed, iterating to refine assumptions or weights.The Key Insights panel (bottom right) illustrates the final composite map, where colors highlight areas with higher combined ecological and cultural value. Together, the panels communicate a transparent, lightweight decision support method: multiple evidence streams are normalized, weighted, and integrated to reveal priority zones for planning, conservation, and heritage stewardship across the region.