Green Riyadh Initiative Reviews Key Development Goals At Forum In Madinah

The 5th Forum of Development Initiatives and Experiences in the Principalities of Regions took place in Madinah. It focused on the "Green Riyadh" initiative, a major project aimed at enhancing Riyadh's urban landscape. This initiative is one of the four significant projects launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in March 2019.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, introduced this initiative. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, he aims to plant 7.5 million trees in Riyadh. The project seeks to increase green space coverage by 541 square kilometers and raise vegetation coverage to 9% by 2030.

The forum reviewed several local development goals, including boosting treated water use from 90,000 to 1.9 million cubic meters daily—a 19-fold rise. It also aims to cut electricity consumption by 650 gigawatt-hours annually, saving about 1.1 million barrels of oil. Additionally, it targets reducing city temperatures by 1.5 to 2°C, with shaded areas seeing drops of up to 15°C.

The initiative also focuses on improving air quality by cutting pollution by up to 6%. Expanding public green spaces and parks is another goal, promoting healthier lifestyles through increased walking activity—targeting an average of 6,000 steps per person daily.

At the forum's exhibition, the Principality of Riyadh Region displayed the initiative's geographical scope. This includes public parks, gardens, main roads, valleys, government complexes, nurseries, and treated water irrigation infrastructure. Emphasizing community participation and coordination among relevant entities is crucial for successful implementation.

The event was organized by the Principality of Madinah Region at the King Salman International Convention Center. It attracted government officials, development specialists, and experts from across Saudi Arabia. The forum serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge and reviewing leading initiatives.

This gathering strengthens cooperation among principalities to achieve sustainable development goals across the Kingdom.

With inputs from SPA