Arab Environment Forum Focuses On Ecosystem Restoration And Resilience

The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadely, emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to reducing land degradation and enhancing ecosystem resilience. His remarks were made during the opening of the third session of the Arab Environment Forum in Riyadh, themed "Restore Land to Build Resilience." The forum is scheduled for June 3-4, 2024.

Attendees included Sami Demasi, Regional Representative and Director of the Office of the United Nations Program for West Asia, Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, and various environmental experts from the region and the Arab world.

Minister Al-Fadely highlighted several national initiatives such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. These initiatives aim to foster regional cooperation in reducing land degradation, preserving vegetation, enhancing biodiversity, and improving food and water security. Additionally, they focus on adapting to climate change and improving the quality of life.

The minister also mentioned the Kingdom's significant role in developing global initiatives to reduce land degradation and the loss of wild habitats. One notable initiative is a platform designed to accelerate research and development in global coral reefs.

Following the opening ceremony, Minister Al-Fadely toured an environmental exhibition held alongside the forum. The exhibition featured participation from numerous national, regional, and international organisations across public, private, and civil society sectors. Various environmental projects and initiatives were showcased, along with the latest technologies in the field.

The forum serves as a platform for discussing strategies to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices across the Arab world. The event underscores Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to lead regional environmental initiatives and contribute to global sustainability goals.

With inputs from SPA