Saudi Arabia Highlights Environmental Initiatives To Combat Desertification And Drought On World Day

Saudi Arabia is actively participating in the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed every year on June 17. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need to tackle desertification, land degradation, and drought. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture emphasised Saudi Arabia's diverse geography, which includes deserts, mountains, coasts, plains, valleys, and agricultural lands that support unique biodiversity.

The Kingdom has launched several initiatives to protect its environment and promote sustainability. The Saudi Green Initiative stands out among these efforts, aiming to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decades. Under this initiative, 86 programs are currently underway with investments surpassing SAR705 billion across various green economy sectors. These projects aim to reduce carbon emissions and expand afforestation while protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Significant progress has been made under the Saudi Green Initiative. Over 313,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and more than 115 million trees have been planted across the Kingdom. Additionally, over 118,000 hectares of land have been reclaimed for environmental purposes. The initiative has also designated 18.1% of terrestrial areas and 6.49% of marine areas for protection.

In a bid to enhance public engagement in environmental matters, the ministry launched a national initiative focused on environmental education. This initiative aims to raise awareness about ecological issues while fostering individual and collective responsibility for environmental protection. It also seeks to reduce pollution levels and conserve natural resources as part of sustainable development efforts.

Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification marked a significant milestone in global efforts against land degradation. This event underscored Saudi Arabia's leadership in addressing challenges related to land degradation and drought.

The COP16 conference resulted in several key outcomes such as launching an international sand and dust storm monitoring initiative. Additionally, it saw the introduction of the Business 4 Land Initiative and the Riyadh Action Agenda aimed at furthering global momentum in combating desertification.

The Kingdom's efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals that focus on fostering a sustainable economy while enhancing quality of life for its citizens. By implementing these initiatives, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship on both national and international fronts.

With inputs from SPA