Saudi Arabia Marks World Environment Day, Urges Global Action on Plastic Pollution
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture reiterated on Thursday the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to environmental protection, the preservation and sustainability of natural resources, and the rehabilitation of ecosystems.
It also stressed the critical need to mobilize national and international efforts to reduce environmental pollution worldwide, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, annually observed on June 5, the ministry underscored the grave threat posed by plastic pollution, which has escalated into a widespread global crisis.
United Nations statistics reveal that over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, yet the recycling rate for this immense volume does not exceed 10%. This alarming statistic highlights the severe harm inflicted upon marine life and the alarming entry of microplastic particles from plastic waste into the food chain within seas and oceans.
The world celebrates World Environment Day with this year's theme being "Beat Plastic Pollution," which emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about tackling plastic pollution and fostering enhanced cooperation between the government sector and local communities. The goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable environmental practices that will lead to a healthy, pollution-free future.
The ministry said that the Kingdom has made tangible progress in aligning its national environmental policies and plans with global developments. It has launched several pioneering environmental initiatives, both locally and internationally, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.
Additionally, numerous national programs and initiatives are in place to enhance community awareness of the importance of environmental conservation through the adoption of sound practices.
The Kingdom also annually organizes the "Environment Week" event across all its regions to contribute to raising the level of community participation in environmental programs and practices, reflecting the profound concern for environmental issues within Saudi society.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Press
2 hours ago
- Saudi Press
Ministry of Islamic Affairs Intensifies Its Awareness Efforts During the Days of Tarwiyah and Arafah
On Behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRH the Crown Prince Receives Eid Al-Adha Well-Wishers at Mina Palace
Al Arabiya
3 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
‘The Man Who Would Be King' author: Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi Arabia's transformation
In this special interview on Global News Today, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former Wall Street Journal editor Karen Elliott House joins us to discuss her new book, The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia. Karen shares her impressions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing him as visionary, driven, and detail-oriented. She discusses his impact on Saudi society, his relationship with the youth, and his ambitions to position the Kingdom among the world's top economies. From reform to foreign strategy, this conversation offers rare insight into one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East today.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Partnerships for lasting environmental protection
Environmental challenges know no borders. From rising temperatures to biodiversity loss, these issues demand collective action. In Saudi Arabia, we are responding to this global call through a model grounded in partnership, collaborating with international organizations, scientific institutions and private innovators to deliver lasting environmental protection. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has embarked on a transformative journey to decarbonize its economy and restore its ecosystems. But what is especially powerful is how this journey is being shaped not only by local resolve but by global cooperation. Across ministries, research centers and giga-projects, Saudi Arabia is partnering with the world to deliver outcomes that serve both people and planet. At the heart of Saudi Arabia's environmental agenda is the Saudi Green Initiative — a program aiming to plant 10 billion trees, rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, and reduce carbon emissions by more than 278 million tonnes per year. SGI has aligned with global partners such as the UN Environment Programme, UNFCCC and the World Economic Forum's platform, helping to situate the Kingdom's afforestation and restoration efforts within a broader planetary framework. Agricultural resilience is also receiving international support. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture works closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN on sustainable aquaculture and dryland farming. Through its participation in the Global Soil Partnership, Saudi Arabia is contributing to global knowledge on soil health in arid regions — a vital issue for food security in a warming world. Progress would be impossible without science. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has emerged as a world-class partner in marine science, working with multiple entities to inform data-driven conservation. Their work with the Kingdom's smart city, NEOM, for example, includes coral reef restoration and coastal habitat mapping powered by advanced robotics and AI. On the wildlife front, the National Center for Wildlife is collaborating with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and CITES to safeguard native species. From Arabian oryx reintroductions to hawksbill turtle protection, these programs are helping to rebuild the Kingdom's ecological heritage. Similarly, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification has been instrumental in driving desert restoration. Through its leadership role in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and as the host of COP16, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating how arid nations can lead in the global fight against land degradation. Its mangrove and seagrass restoration pilots are already informing policy across the region. In my role as group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collaboration. Our flagship regenerative tourism destinations — The Red Sea and AMAALA — are not only redefining travel but also setting new standards for environmental stewardship. Sustainability is embedded in every stage of our projects, from development to daily operations. Whether it is through the use of renewable energy, innovative waste management systems or biodiversity conservation, our goal is to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure the long-term health of the region. Our commitment is demonstrated through continuous environmental monitoring, strong partnerships and bold sustainability targets. From government ministries to giga-projects, we are inviting the world to join us — not just as observers, but as co-creators of a greener future. Raed Albasseet We worked with KAUST to conduct the largest marine spatial planning simulation ever undertaken in Saudi Arabia, allowing us to design with precision and avoid ecological harm. We are also among the first developers in the world to have all operational resorts LEED-certified, working closely with the US Green Building Council to achieve the highest sustainability standards. Today, we hold the most LEED Platinum–certified hospitality assets of any single developer globally. Beyond our project sites, our environmental team contributes to the global knowledge base through peer-reviewed research and international conferences, including the International Association for Impact Assessment, where we have shared scientific insights on regenerative development and large-scale conservation planning. Through our partnership with The Ocean Race, we are advancing ocean literacy among Saudi youth, while positioning AMAALA as host of the Race's 2027 Grand Finale. On the infrastructure side, our multi-utilities agreement with EDF Group and Masdar enables AMAALA to be powered entirely by the sun, eliminating 350,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. And through our collaboration with the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, we are embedding sustainable fishing practices into the heart of our destination's food systems — protecting biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods. These efforts form only a fraction of Saudi Arabia's broader journey. But they reflect a truth I believe in deeply: When knowledge, resources and values are shared across borders, we can do more than sustain the environment — we can regenerate it. Saudi Arabia's environmental transformation is still unfolding, but the trajectory is clear. It is a story of shared responsibility. From government ministries to giga-projects, we are inviting the world to join us — not just as observers, but as co-creators of a greener future. If collaboration is the climate solution, Saudi Arabia is becoming one of its strongest conveners. And as the world looks to scale up its environmental impact, the Kingdom stands ready to collaborate, contribute and lead where it matters most. * Raed Albasseet is head of environment and sustainability at The Red Sea Development Company.
