Saudi Arabia to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with 4 million m³ annual capacity
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Al-Fadley highlighted the implementation progress of the National Environment Strategy, including the establishment of five specialized environmental centers and the region's largest environmental fund to support green initiatives.
The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management, two of which are being implemented for the first time in Saudi Arabia.
Under the Saudi Green Initiative, over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated and 151 million trees planted.
The target is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant over 215 million trees by 2030. Ultimately, the Kingdom aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares.
The number of national parks has surged from 18 to 500, while protected terrestrial areas now cover 18% of the Kingdom's territory, a fourfold increase.
Marine protected areas have grown by 260% since 2016. Over 8,000 endangered species have been reintroduced into their natural habitats.
In enforcement, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, a 660% increase since the creation of the National Center for Environmental Compliance.
More than 173,000 inspections were carried out, and 456 licenses were granted to environmental service providers.
Air quality monitoring has also expanded, with 240 stations operating across the Kingdom. The ministry launched a national marine monitoring program and bolstered its capacity to respond to oil spills.
Meteorological services now cover 100% of Saudi Arabia, aided by advanced sensing and prediction systems.
The cloud-seeding program, led by skilled Saudi pilots using cutting-edge aircraft, has conducted over 711 sorties, increasing rainfall by 6.4 million cubic meters to support water resources and vegetation.
The Kingdom also launched two pioneering centers, the Regional Center for Climate Change Studies, the first of its kind in the Middle East, and the Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms, one of only four worldwide.
Saudi Arabia has developed 21 strategic city-level waste management plans and identified more than 330 investment opportunities worth SR450 billion. The goal is to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2040. A suite of incentives, grants, and a new environmental fund has been launched to support private sector innovation and academic partnerships.
Al-Fadley announced that the UN Water Conference has named Saudi Arabia a global model for sustainable water practices, with significant progress under Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Completed water projects now exceed SR230 billion in value, including SR10 billion in public infrastructure and over SR45 billion through private sector collaboration. The developments cover water production, transport pipelines, storage facilities, and wastewater treatment.
Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day — 75% of which is desalinated seawater — making the Kingdom the world's top producer of desalinated water. Strategic water storage capacity has increased by 600%, with the average supply coverage rising from one to three days in most cities.
Efforts to reduce energy use have halved electricity consumption in the sector compared to 2016. The Kingdom now delivers water to more than 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations up to 3,000 meters through an 18,000-kilometer pipeline network.
Reused water volume has risen from 251 million to 550 million cubic meters, now representing 32% of total usage. Saudi Arabia is building 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with an annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters.
With over 65% local content in the water sector and 97% of engineering roles held by Saudi nationals, the Kingdom is increasingly self-reliant. The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation has saved 120,000 cubic meters daily and aims to reach 300,000 soon.
Agricultural GDP reached SR118 billion, up 8% from last year and 39% from 2020. Food production rose to 12 million tons due to supportive policies and Saudi Agricultural Development Fund initiatives.
The Kingdom has achieved full self-sufficiency in dates, milk, and eggs, and between 70%–100% in various vegetables and over 70% in poultry. Exports of fish and shrimp have expanded, along with global competitiveness in select agricultural sectors.
Saudi Arabia remains the world's top date exporter. The General Food Security Authority ensures the availability of 11 key staples, with an early warning system for essential goods to be launched soon.
Al-Fadley also praised the role of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), which supplies 30% of the Kingdom's wheat imports through overseas projects.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Regenerative farming takes root in South Africa as demand for sustainable exports grows
As global buyers tighten sustainability standards, South African farmers are starting to adopt regenerative farming practices at a growing pace — particularly those focused on export crops. Source: Freepik Regenerative farming works with natural processes to restore soil health, reduce chemical use, and increase resilience to climate shocks. The World Economic Forum reports that transitioning just 40% of global cropland to regenerative agriculture could cut 600 million tons of emissions — equivalent to the footprint of a small country. Arno Abeln, managing director at Agrimark, says the shift is gaining momentum in South Africa, though the pace varies by sector. "We're seeing major investment in these practices among wine, citrus and table grape producers, also in apple and pear production, because export markets are demanding it. It's less advanced in the grain sector, but we're starting to see more interest as producers explore ways to improve soil health over the long term," says Abeln. Export-facing crops lead the shift Abeln believes South Africa's lack of government farming subsidies means local producers have had to adapt faster and smarter. "South African farmers don't benefit from the government subsidies common in other countries. They've had to find innovative and efficient ways to farm to stay viable. Regenerative practices together with precision agriculture are playing a bigger role, especially as export markets adopt stricter sustainability standards." In the Swartland region, principles like crop rotation and integrated grazing have been used for years — helping maintain soil health naturally. "A farmer might plant 500 hectares of wheat one year, followed by canola the next, each crop nourishing the soil differently. After harvesting, sheep graze the fields, naturally fertilising the land. It's a holistic system — and a scientific one." Younger farmers driving mindset shift A generational shift is also driving the uptake of regenerative practices. "There's definitely a long-term view emerging – especially around soil health and resilience," says Abeln. "And with better soil health, you often see the potential for better yields and cost efficiencies too." International studies suggest input costs could drop by 25-50% over time for farmers who move away from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Data, not guesswork, key to long-term soil health Abeln says modern farming requires science-backed decisions, not habit-based practices. "Many farmers are still using the same fertiliser mix they relied on ten years ago. We help them move to smarter, insight-driven decisions that can improve yield and profitability." Agrimark, a national agricultural retailer, works with suppliers, plant diagnostics specialists and input providers to support this shift. "It's about replacing guesswork with data. When a farmer faces an issue, we don't just sell a product; we work with him on-site to understand the problem and coordinate the right expertise." "In some regions, like parts of the Northern Cape, soil degradation is a real risk. If we want to keep farming and feeding people, we have to prioritise soil health." All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Zimbabwe sets strategic course for capacity development on sustainable soil management
Zimbabwe has made significant strides towards strengthening its agricultural resilience and soil management capacity through the launch of a new project titled 'Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.' Following the successful high-level launch of the project this week, Zimbabwe has taken a decisive step forward with a two-day inception meeting that built momentum by defining the strategic direction and technical roadmap for project implementation. This initiative, supported by the People's Republic of China under the South-South Cooperation framework is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe. 'This meeting provided a critical platform to align our shared vision and technical priorities. It allowed us to present the strategic foundations of the project, define synergies among national institutions and key stakeholders, while collectively endorsing a clear roadmap for implementation,' said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe. 'This process marks a strategic, co-created and coordinated start to delivering sustainable soil management solutions for Zimbabwe,' added Talla. The meeting brought together key directorates and departments from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD). The Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS) was represented by the Chemistry and Soil Research Institute (CSRI) whilst the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) was represented by the department of Agricultural, Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX), Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST) and international partners including the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Defining technical priorities and implementation framework The inception meeting was strategically structured to align technical dialogue with policy priorities. The meeting featured expert presentations on the distribution and management of red soils in Zimbabwe, the current state of soil laboratories and information systems, and comparative insights from China's red soil management practices. These sessions laid the technical foundation for the project, ensuring that all stakeholders had a shared understanding of the scientific context and implementation framework. The meeting transitioned into a participatory planning phase, where stakeholders engaged in group discussions to define workplans for site identification, soil mapping, laboratory analysis, field trials, and farmer trainings through the Global Soil Doctor Programme. 'This collaborative approach ensured that the project's implementation plan was not only technically sound but also nationally owned and contextually relevant. The structure of the meeting strategically contributed to the project's overall objectives, clarifying roles, and setting a clear, actionable roadmap for effective implementation of the project,' said Emmanuel Chikwari, Head of the CSRI. As the project moves into its implementation phase, the focus now shifts to delivering on three strategic priority areas: upgrading soil laboratories and developing digital soil maps; demonstrating sustainable soil and fertilizer management practices through field trials and extension training; and facilitating international knowledge exchange through workshops and technical cooperation. These actions will operationalize the project's vision and deliver tangible outcomes for Zimbabwe's soil health and agricultural resilience. Harnessing the power of South-South Cooperation and learning 'This project is a powerful demonstration of how South-South Cooperation can drive innovation and capacity development in sustainable agriculture. As an implementing partner, Marondera University is proud to contribute to the rollout of this initiative by applying research, training, and field-evidence-based learning to improve soil management,' said Esther Masvaya, from MUAST. 'The inception meeting has set a clear, co-owned and co-created direction for implementation, ensuring that Zimbabwe's soil economy benefits from inclusive planning, shared expertise, and a strong culture of learning that will drive lasting impact,' said Sibongile Mangena-Chikore, Chief Agronomist, AGRITEX. FAO and its implementing partners will continue to refine the project's strategic direction, monitoring progress and learning through regular workshops and field implementation activities. 'Sustainable soil management is a pivotal activity towards enhanced agricultural production and productivity in the context of climate change. This project is a game changer, especially in the management of red soils in Zimbabwe, which have not received much attention in the past,' said Obert Maminimini, FAO Project Coordinator. Through its strong foundation in South-South Cooperation, the project also creates a platform for Zimbabwe to share its experiences, innovations, and lessons learned with other project countries in the Global South, fostering mutual learning and advancing sustainable soil management across regions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to unveil national media strategy soon, says minister
RIYADH — Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia has not yet launched its official media sector strategy, stating that the national media strategy remains under review and will be formally announced in due course. Speaking during the government press conference in Riyadh, Al-Dosari said the Saudi media landscape is evolving from merely relaying news to creating impact, emphasizing that the sector is moving "from medium to message." He also announced that the upcoming edition of the Saudi Media Forum will be held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, positioning it as a national platform aligned with global media momentum and future-focused tools. '2030 is no longer a date in the future, it symbolizes limitless ambition. In Saudi Arabia, dreams aren't told, they're built. Tomorrow doesn't wait; it's accomplished today,' Al-Dosari added. Highlighting the Kingdom's humanitarian role, the minister noted that Saudi Arabia is transforming its aid initiatives into a sustainable humanitarian system. Since its inception, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has delivered more than SR30 billion in aid to 108 countries through over 3,500 development and relief programs. Al-Dosari also revealed that around 230,000 surgeries have been performed under Saudi Arabia's overseas voluntary medical campaigns. Meanwhile, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen has provided over SR4.27 billion in funding for more than 265 projects across key sectors including roads, water, health, and education. Turning to technology and innovation, Al-Dosari said Saudi Arabia sees sustainable development as a transnational responsibility. 'We are crafting the algorithms of the future, turning data into decisions and artificial intelligence into development,' he noted. Saudi Arabia's digital economy reached SR495 billion in 2024, accounting for 15% of GDP and growing at an annual rate of nearly 7%. The number of tech companies listed on the Saudi stock exchange has also surged to 23 in 2024, up from just two in 2020. 'Today, we don't just consume technology, we contribute to building it with a value-driven and human-centered vision,' Al-Dosari said. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
