Latest news with #KhaledAl-Abdulkader
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi center, UK firm team up on environmental goals
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification is working with British firm Kew Reach to help advance the Kingdom's National Greening Program. The agreement supports the center's strategy to build partnerships that foster knowledge transfer and environmental sustainability, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Kew Reach will help establish baseline data, conduct assessments and define planning parameters to support the long-term goals of the program and the Saudi Green Initiative. It will also offer expertise in ecosystem restoration, seed conservation, sustainable land management, advisory services and capacity building, the report said. The partnership includes a knowledge-exchange program, enabling center researchers to gain hands-on experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. The gardens are home to the world's largest collection of botanical and fungal specimens — more than 8.5 million — covering about 95 percent of known vascular plant genera and 60 percent of fungal genera. Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the center, said the collaboration would leverage Kew's botanical expertise to restore degraded land and advance environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative.
Asharq Al-Awsat
17-04-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO's Global Geoparks List
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. The recognition follows UNESCO's stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities. CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported. He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability. He also underscored NCVC's efforts to preserve the country's unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030's sustainable development goals. Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development. With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts. According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation. Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.
Saudi Gazette
17-04-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark designated on UNESCO's Global Geoparks List
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. The recognition follows UNESCO's stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities. CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage. He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability. He also underscored NCVC's efforts to preserve the country's unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030's sustainable development goals. Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development. With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts. The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation. Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.
Saudi Gazette
17-04-2025
- Science
- Saudi Gazette
North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark designated in UNESCO's Global Geoparks List
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development. The recognition follows UNESCO's stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities. CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage. He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability. He also underscored NCVC's efforts to preserve the country's unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030's sustainable development goals. Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development. With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts. The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation. Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.
Arab News
29-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi, Korean experts discuss wastewater treatment solutions
RIYADH: Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia's National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, met Moon Young-hak, chairman of the Saudi-Korean Society for Economic and Trade Promotion, in Riyadh. The meeting focused on discussing potential partnerships with Korean companies and reviewing advanced greywater treatment and separation technologies for national parks, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. The meeting, attended by senior center officials, focused on leveraging Korean expertise in developing small-scale and mobile wastewater treatment systems. With more than 400 national parks across Saudi Arabia, the center has outlined strategic plans to optimize water use, especially as visitor numbers are expected to rise in coming years. Implementing greywater separation and treatment technologies will enable water reuse for afforestation projects and the creation of artificial lakes, the SPA reported. The Korean model uses advanced information technology-based control systems to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of treated water production. The approach allows for doubling treatment capacity using existing infrastructure at just 30 percent of the cost of building new facilities within a swift eight-month timeline, according to the SPA. It also extends the operational lifespan of these plants by 30 years, ensuring a cleaner environment and better public health standards. The Saudi center remains dedicated to sustainable environmental initiatives, including land restoration, biodiversity enhancement, rangeland management and resource preservation. Through these efforts, the center plays a key role in Saudi Arabia's environmental sustainability and quality of life improvements.
