Bahja Project Achieves Milestone With 645 New Parks And 629 Urban Interventions In Saudi Arabia

Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail highlighted the Bahja Project as a practical example of achieving environmental objectives. His comments were made during the fourth annual Saudi Green Initiative Forum, held on December 3 and 4 in Riyadh. This event coincides with the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), running from December 2 to 13, 2024.

Al-Hogail pointed out that since 2023, the Bahja Project has led to the creation of 645 new parks and addressed 629 urban interventions. These efforts span over an area exceeding 12 million square meters. He also mentioned advancements in irrigation systems that use treated water, conserving freshwater resources.

The minister emphasized that Vision 2030 has driven significant progress in environmental sustainability within Saudi Arabia. The initiative has expanded green spaces, improved air quality, and worked towards reducing carbon emissions. Al-Hogail stated that these efforts are part of a broader transformative journey under Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing citizens' quality of life.

Al-Hogail reiterated the ministry's role in this transformation by increasing green spaces and promoting afforestation. The ministry is committed to the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, one of the largest afforestation projects globally, addressing various environmental challenges.

The minister detailed strategic plans supporting the Saudi Green Initiative through large-scale afforestation projects. These include greening streets, medians, pedestrian pathways, and parks. Such initiatives align with reducing carbon emissions to 278 tons annually by 2030 and transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind for electricity generation.

He added that developing carbon capture technologies and establishing green hydrogen projects are crucial steps in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Expanding green spaces around cities and transforming urban valleys into sustainable areas are also part of these initiatives.

Global Partnerships and Urban Planning

Al-Hogail mentioned collaboration with global partners such as the United Nations Human Settlements Program. An agreement aims to update human settlement standards and improve city services for residents. This includes developing sustainable urban policies to enhance efficiency.

An agreement was signed to support urban planning in Saudi cities through joint initiatives. These efforts aim to positively impact Saudi cities' global ranking according to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Integrated Efforts for Achieving SGI Goals

The minister stressed that achieving the Saudi Green Initiative's goals requires integrated efforts from all sectors and individuals. He highlighted the importance of the SGI Forum as a platform for dialogue and exchanging ideas on afforestation trends and sustainability.

The forum provides opportunities for discussing key trends in sustainability, emphasizing collaborative efforts needed across various sectors to achieve environmental goals effectively.

With inputs from SPA