Saudi Arabia Joins Earth Observation Group To Tackle Environmental Challenges Through Global Science-Policy Alliance

Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), expressed enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia's participation in the Earth Observation Group. This initiative focuses on creating AI-driven solutions to address global, societal, and environmental issues. Additionally, he welcomed the formation of a global science-policy alliance aimed at promoting informed and equitable actions worldwide.

Eldesouki chaired a session titled "Healing our land through science and Earth Intelligence" during UNCCD COP16. He highlighted that the alliance seeks to tackle environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. The goal is to enhance access to scientific data and decision-making tools. He emphasised that science and technology are crucial for sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.

The Kingdom has launched the Saudi Green Initiative, aiming to transform 30% of its land into nature reserves. This includes planting 10 billion trees and restoring 40 million hectares of degraded land. Regionally, through the Middle East Green Initiative, Saudi Arabia plans to plant 40 billion trees to combat desertification and protect ecosystems.

Eldesouki noted that these efforts align with the broader objective of planting 50 billion trees globally, representing 5% of the worldwide reforestation target. This ambitious plan involves reviving 200 million hectares of land through collaborative efforts inspired by scientific advancements.

Saudi Arabia aims to recycle 90% of its waste by 2040, preserving biodiversity and preventing land degradation. Eldesouki reviewed various initiatives in environmental, water, and agricultural development. These include biological treatment at Yanbu 3 desalination plant, carbon capture projects, biomass production for animal feed, extracting valuable metabolites for medicine, and producing sustainable algae biomass.

These projects are expected to be operational by 2026, contributing significantly to sustainability goals. Eldesouki highlighted the establishment of key centres like the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) and others focused on food security and biotechnology applications.

Recognition and Awards

The Kingdom's commitment to combating desertification and promoting sustainability has earned it numerous accolades. It received the gold award at the Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards 2024 for sustainability efforts. Additionally, Saudi Arabia won five awards at Horticulture Expo 2023 Doha and eleven awards at Green World Awards 2023.

A global award was also launched in collaboration with Almarai for innovation in food and agricultural technologies. Discussions underscored the need to expand scientific research and data utilisation to address global environmental challenges effectively.

The combined efforts in Saudi Arabia have led to significant advancements in sustainable agriculture and food security research. These initiatives aim to improve crop productivity using biotechnology while ensuring water security.

With inputs from SPA