Native tree translocation in NEOM.
A rapid ecological survey of the Oxagon site identified the biotic environment and native trees present — then translocated them to preserve biodiversity ahead of development.
NEOM required a comprehensive ecological assessment of the WO-038 Oxagon Site before development could proceed. The primary challenge involved characterising the biotic environment and identifying native tree species across the study area — with preservation aligned to NEOM’s conservation vision.
The site’s terrain compounded the brief: parts of the study area were not accessible by vehicle, so a walkover survey was needed to fully document ecological features across diverse landscapes.
We deployed a specialist team — ecologists, field researchers, and assistants — to execute the survey on 5 January 2023. The methodology combined vehicle-based reconnaissance with targeted pedestrian transects, documenting landscape features, flora, fauna, and human land-use patterns systematically across the site.
The team aimed to mark all arboreal species encountered and recorded the key ecological indicators — vegetation cover, habitat types, and species distribution patterns. Desktop analysis and reporting then synthesised field data into actionable environmental intelligence.
The survey identified the ecological features, biogeography, and habitats of the area, plus 14 plant species across 10 genera and 7 families — dominated by Vachellia tortilis and Haloxylon salicornicum. Native tree translocation followed, supporting NEOM’s preservation objectives while keeping development on track.