Middle East Green Initiative Council Adopts Key Decisions To Launch Implementation Phase For Environmental Protection

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has emphasised the need for enhanced regional cooperation to protect the environment and boost vegetation cover. This effort aims to improve food and water security, safeguard biodiversity, preserve ecosystems, and promote climate change adaptation. The Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) is seen as a crucial step in addressing desertification, drought, and climate change challenges in the region.

During the first session of the Ministerial Council of the MGI in Jeddah, Minister Abdulrahman Alfadley highlighted the initiative's significance. He stated that it marks the first regional alliance of its kind, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2021. The initiative aims to mitigate climate change impacts across the Middle East and North Africa.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional collaboration to combat land degradation, desertification, and drought. It also welcomed 11 countries as new regional members of MGI, emphasising their role in achieving the initiative's objectives. Additionally, the United Kingdom joined as a non-regional contributor with observer status.

The final ministerial communiqué from this session outlined several key decisions. These included approving the MGI secretariat's organisational structure and internal policies, appointing a Secretary General and Fund Trustee, and initiating MGI's implementation phase. The council expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman for launching this initiative.

The council encourages other non-regional countries to participate in MGI. It underscores their vital role in providing technical and financial support to address global environmental challenges. The importance of continued efforts by regional member countries was highlighted for setting ambitious goals aligned with multilateral environmental agreements.

Moreover, the council stressed enhancing international multilateral efforts involving private sectors, financial institutions, and civil society. These entities play a crucial role in addressing land degradation challenges while supporting regional initiatives.

Upcoming Events and Achievements

The council looks forward to COP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), scheduled for December in Riyadh. It calls on UNCCD parties and stakeholders to actively participate in COP16 as a global platform for addressing land degradation issues.

The council praised Saudi Arabia for hosting World Environment Day celebrations in Riyadh. It also acknowledged UNEA-6's resolution focusing on combating land degradation while enhancing drought resilience.

Progress and Future Plans

The Ministerial Council reviewed achievements from MGI's foundational phase. This included preparations for establishing its secretariat general and launching land rehabilitation projects. Significant milestones have been reached through collaboration with regional founding member countries.

The council expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the first MGI Ministerial Council meeting. It thanked Minister Abdulrahman Alfadley for his leadership as Chairman of the MGI Ministerial Council.

With inputs from SPA