Saudi Arabia Takes The Lead In Environmental Conservation At First Hima Forum

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is taking significant strides in environmental conservation and sustainable development, as evidenced by its active participation in the inaugural regional Protected Areas Forum, Hima, which took place in Riyadh from April 21 to 24. This event, organized by the National Center for Wildlife, brought together local and international experts to deliberate on strategies for biodiversity conservation, environmental equilibrium, and the expansion of protected areas. These discussions are crucial for achieving the objectives set out in the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

One of the highlights of the forum was the involvement of the Kingdom's royal reserves. These reserves are at the forefront of environmental stewardship, each demonstrating their unique contributions to this cause. The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority showcased its efforts in environmental preservation and community involvement, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative's ambitious goal to safeguard 30% of Saudi Arabia's terrestrial and marine territories by 2030.

Furthermore, the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority engaged in a dialogue session that centered on ensuring justice in protected areas. It also displayed its proficiency in biodiversity conservation, revegetation projects, and the promotion of ecotourism within its reserve. Meanwhile, the Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority presented an interactive pavilion at the exhibition. This pavilion highlighted the authority's adoption of advanced technologies for field operations and its dedication to knowledge sharing with other organizations.

The participation of these royal reserves underscores their commitment to achieving the strategic objectives set for 2030 and supporting the vision of the Saudi Green Initiative. Their projects adhere to international best practices in environmental protection and community engagement, contributing significantly to a more sustainable future for Saudi Arabia.

The Hima forum represents a landmark event for the region, being the first dedicated platform for discussions on protected areas. This initiative is timely, aligning with the outcomes of the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal. At this conference, an international agreement was reached to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030 (30x30). Saudi Arabia had already pledged its commitment to this target in 2021, further affirming its leadership role in global environmental conservation efforts.

With inputs from SPA