Latest news with #NationalEnvironmentalPerformanceIndex
Arab News
21-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
Healthier and greener nation is focus of Environment Week 2025
RIYADH: The organizers of Saudi Arabia's Environment Week are aiming to increase public engagement to secure a thriving and greener future for the country. The event began on Sunday and was attended by Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir. Reema Obaid, one of the participants, told Arab News: 'We are here at the environmental awareness initiative, which is raising awareness about our environment for a healthier and greener environment.' Obaid explained that children can gather at her booth to plant seeds or cuttings. Then they can either take their plants with them or donate them to national parks in the Kingdom. Another activity is 'Green Leader,' under the nation's Environment Fund. It is a green bus symbolizing the country's sustainability journey from the past to the present. Weed Al-Balawi, a participant in the initiative, said they designed it to 'deliver major concepts regarding sustainability, resource conservation, ancestral heritage, and technology in environmental conservation.' The aim was to ensure a 'simple and enjoyable way to benefit the target group, which is the age group from primary to intermediate school,' said Al-Balawi. She said the education stations at the event were created for the public to experience how people used sustainable practices in the past on a daily basis to coexist with nature and biodiversity. The final station at the event showed current practices, which includes how people are now using technology to protect the environment, said Al-Balawi. One of the examples displayed was the camel's watering place, where people would dig a small well for the animals next to the one they used for drinking. This ancient technique was used to prevent diseases spreading from animals to humans, and to reduce the amount of wasted water. The theme of this year's event is 'Our Environment is a Treasure' and will be held until April 26. A highlight was the debut of the National Environmental Performance Index, a strategic tool to monitor progress and guide policy. There were 13 agreements signed between the ministry's entities and the private sector to improve collaboration in environmental projects.
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Environmental Week highlights Saudi Arabia's sustainability vision
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched Saudi Environment Week on Sunday, themed 'Our Environment is a Treasure,' to showcase the Kingdom's efforts in ecosystem protection and sustainable development. A highlight was the debut of the National Environmental Performance Index, a strategic tool to monitor environmental progress and guide policy. The event, inaugurated by Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli in Riyadh, brings together government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and local communities to promote eco-friendly practices and collective responsibility. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir also attended, with the event featuring environmental presentations, agreement signings, and children's performances to encourage positive environmental behavior. Activities include nationwide exhibitions, workshops on biodiversity and renewable energy, and forums for green innovations. The new index, which Al-Fadhli described as essential for informed decision-making, will track environmental metrics like air quality, water conservation, and biodiversity. It aims to align national development with ecological priorities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainable growth. Al-Fadhli stressed the Kingdom's leadership in sustainability, prioritizing natural resource protection and societal responsibility. He said that the index ensures accountability and progress as the country builds a greener future. Al-Fadhli toured the exhibition, featuring sections on vegetation cover, desertification control, biodiversity, waste management, meteorology, and environmental compliance. The exhibition also includes workshops highlighting Saudi Arabia's role in fostering environmental cooperation, raising awareness, encouraging private sector investments in sustainable projects, and advancing technology. The ministry emphasized that the newly introduced index serves as a nationwide monitoring tool, developed in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme. It is designed to align with government bodies, environmental organizations, and national centers, ensuring cohesion with Saudi Arabia's ecological priorities. Key goals include evaluating environmental health, identifying change drivers, and establishing an early detection system for sustainability challenges and progress. By tracking progress toward environmental targets, the ministry noted that the index identifies gaps for urgent action, enabling data-driven policy adjustments. Phase 1 focuses on five core areas linked to the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030: wildlife conservation, green space expansion, waste management efficiency, pollution levels in air, soil, and water, and weather forecasting accuracy. Phase 2 will address emerging priorities, such as climate change metrics, reflecting their importance in long-term environmental planning. The ministry stressed that the index will provide policymakers with actionable insights, driving improvements in ecological resilience, public health, and quality of life for Saudi citizens. The National Fisheries Development Center has joined the celebrations of Saudi Environment Week. Riyadh Al-Fageeh, director general of the center, said: 'Our participation highlights the importance of preserving the environment, raising awareness, and strengthening quality of life goals. We aim to emphasize the role of institutions and individuals in maintaining ecological balance, aligned with Vision 2030.' He added: 'Saudi Environment Week reaffirms the Kingdom's commitment to protecting natural resources and leading regional efforts in sustainability. We encourage all citizens and residents to actively participate and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.'
