Buraidah Oasis Sets New Standards With First Global Water And Carbon Footprints In MENA And EU

The Buraidah Oasis project, initiated by the National Water Company (NWC) as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, has achieved a significant milestone. It is the first in the world to receive international accreditation for its water footprint and the first in the Middle East and Europe for its carbon footprint. This achievement marks the end of its first year, highlighting NWC's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The German Board certified that Buraidah Oasis has no carbon emissions. Instead, it acts as a large reservoir absorbing carbon from its surroundings at a rate of 0.12% annually. The certification was awarded to NWC CEO Dr. Fuad Al AlSheikh Mubarak. Germany's expertise in agriculture and decades-long experience in reducing carbon emissions make this certification highly prestigious.

A comparison between Buraidah Oasis and a German forest reveals that the forest emits 12 times more carbon than the oasis. This comparison highlights the oasis's exceptional ability to absorb carbon, emphasizing its crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability. Achieving full CO₂ absorption is an ambitious goal pursued by many nations and organizations worldwide.

The water footprint report for Buraidah Oasis was developed to assess water wastage rates and irrigation concentration around tree trunks, aiding saplings in absorbing carbon emissions. The water footprint measures how much water a plant needs for optimal growth. This initiative supports NWC's vision for sustainable environmental impact within Saudi Arabia.

Buraidah Oasis boasts one million trees surrounding a large lake containing 86,000 cubic meters of renewable water from NWC’s wastewater treatment plant. This innovative approach is crucial to its future sustainability goals, aiming to positively impact the environment in Saudi Arabia.

Recently, an antelope sanctuary was established within the oasis, with 15 antelopes released into this protected area. The sanctuary covers 50,000 square meters within the oasis's vast total area of 19 million square meters, further enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance.

This project exemplifies efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainability through innovative practices and international collaboration. By setting new standards for carbon absorption and efficient water use, Buraidah Oasis serves as a model for similar initiatives globally.

With inputs from SPA