Namaa Endowment Fund Launches To Strengthen Environmental Water And Agricultural Sustainability

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has launched the Namaa Endowment Fund, a national initiative designed to support environmental, water and agricultural sustainability while strengthening the non-profit sector’s role in Saudi Arabia’s economy and social development, in line with the wider goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley stated that the Namaa Endowment Fund introduces an institutional model for endowment work within the ministry’s system. Alfadley explained that this step targets economic and social development objectives and aims to raise the non-profit sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

The fund is set up to direct endowment resources toward projects that improve quality of life, address community and development needs, and protect natural resources. It supports long-term sustainability for environment, water and agriculture activities, while also improving the financial strength and continuity of non-profit organisations working under the ministry’s umbrella.

According to the ministry, the Namaa Endowment Fund will concentrate on financing initiatives that provide safe water, conserve water resources, expand irrigation efficiency and back sustainable agriculture. Other priorities include reducing food waste, supporting the circular economy, and advancing programmes that expand vegetation cover and protect biodiversity across the Kingdom.

Alfadley noted that the ministry will coordinate with the General Authority for Awqaf, the Capital Market Authority and SNB Capital to manage and grow the fund. These partners are expected to help build a strong investment framework, supervise financial governance and encourage participation from private companies, investors and the wider community.

The ministry indicated that individuals and institutions will be able to contribute through an authorised electronic platform supported by a robust financial management system. Alfadley called on business leaders and members of the public to support the fund, stressing that participation would back development efforts and help maintain the sustainability of the environment, water and agriculture sectors.

Key entities and their roles in the Namaa Endowment Fund are outlined below.

Namaa Endowment Fund support for non-profit sector

The fund aims to increase the developmental effect of endowment assets by channelling returns to non-profit bodies linked to the ministry. These include the Reef National Foundation, the Vegetation Cover Development Foundation and the Sekaya Charitable Foundation, which implement programmes in agriculture, vegetation expansion and environmental protection.

Through these organisations, the Namaa Endowment Fund will focus on afforestation, restoring degraded land, strengthening vegetation cover and protecting wildlife habitats. It will also back projects that conserve water, improve irrigation technologies and promote responsible production and consumption patterns, thereby reducing waste and supporting food security across Saudi Arabia.

Namaa Endowment Fund financing and vision

Governor of the General Authority for Awqaf Emad Al-Kharashi confirmed that the authority will provide SAR100 million as an initial contribution. This amount is intended to serve as a base for a durable endowment model that can grow over time and generate stable financial returns for development projects.

Al-Kharashi said, "the Namaa Endowment Fund reflects a clear vision that combines the deep-rooted cultural value of endowments with modern investment tools to achieve sustainability and growth, helping preserve the environment and natural resources." Al-Kharashi added that environment, water and agriculture are viewed as vital sectors for food security and continued development.

The fund is also structured to invest in entrepreneurship outputs emerging from the ministry’s sectors, by activating environmental, water and agricultural assets and linking them with non-profit initiatives. Through this approach, officials expect the Namaa Endowment Fund to strengthen the developmental role of the non-profit sector while supporting national objectives for sustainability, economic diversification and community welfare.

With inputs from SPA