Saudi Green Initiative Achieves Major Milestones In Sustainability And Climate Action Efforts

The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) is making notable progress in its environmental goals, engaging diverse societal sectors. This initiative highlights Saudi Arabia's dedication to advancing climate action and fostering a sustainable future locally and regionally. On SGI Day, celebrated on March 27, the Kingdom acknowledges its achievements, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and leadership in global climate change efforts.

Since its inception in 2021, the SGI has been actively working towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting a green transition within the Kingdom. The initiative aims to cut carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030 as part of its journey toward net-zero emissions. To date, Saudi Arabia has integrated renewable energy projects with a capacity of 6.6 gigawatts into its national grid, with additional projects under development totaling 44.2 gigawatts.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia launched projects with a capacity of 20 gigawatts. These efforts align with the Kingdom's ambitious plans to increase renewable energy's share in the power mix to 130 gigawatts. The target is an optimal electricity generation mix of about 50% natural gas and 50% renewable energy by 2030.

The SGI encompasses 86 initiatives and programs with investments exceeding SAR705 billion across various green economy sectors. These projects contribute to the initiative's primary objectives: reducing carbon emissions, greening Saudi Arabia, and protecting land and sea. They align with Vision 2030's goals of building a sustainable economy while enhancing life quality for Saudi society.

The SGI has made significant strides in afforestation and rehabilitating degraded land, planting over 115 million trees across the Kingdom and restoring more than 118,000 hectares of land. This achievement sets the stage for planting 10 billion trees over coming decades and restoring over 74 million hectares under the initiative.

Through this strategic approach, the Kingdom aims to restore and protect green spaces for future generations. The SGI also focuses on wildlife protection and reintroducing indigenous species into their natural habitats. It seeks to protect 30% of Saudi Arabia's terrestrial and marine areas through an approach that balances human-nature interactions.

Wildlife Protection

So far, Saudi Arabia has successfully protected 18.1% of its terrestrial areas and 6.49% of its marine areas. Additionally, it has rewilded over 7,000 endangered species into nature reserves, including Arabian oryxes, Arabian mountain gazelles, and ibexes.

The Kingdom continues its diligent efforts in environmental protection by implementing comprehensive quality projects under SGI. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in climate action and building a more sustainable future for all.

With inputs from SPA