Arab Environment Forum: A Platform To Unify Visions On Environmental Resilience

The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to reducing land degradation and enhancing ecosystem resilience. Speaking at the opening of the third session of the Arab Environment Forum in Riyadh, themed "Restore Land to Build Resilience," he highlighted the leadership's support in these efforts.

The forum, held from June 3-4, 2024, saw participation from notable figures such as Sami Demasi, Regional Representative and Director of the Office of the United Nations Program for West Asia, and Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs. Various environmental experts from the region and the Arab world also attended.

Minister Al-Fadhli underscored several national initiatives like the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. These projects 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 quality of life.

The minister also mentioned the Kingdom's significant role in developing global initiatives aimed at reducing land degradation and loss of wild habitats. He highlighted a platform initiative designed to accelerate research and development in global coral reefs.

Following the opening ceremony, Minister Al-Fadhli 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. It showcased various environmental projects and initiatives as well as the latest technologies in the field.

The forum provided a platform for discussing strategies to combat land degradation and enhance ecosystem resilience. It also facilitated knowledge exchange among experts and stakeholders committed to environmental sustainability.

With inputs from SPA