Latest news with #SaudiGreenInitiative
Arab News
3 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
Climate innovation can enhance nature-based solutions
Success will depend not only on the number of trees but on how effectively they are planted, maintained, and measured. (SGI photo) As Saudi Arabia commits to planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating 40 million hectares in the coming decades under the Saudi Green Initiative, success will depend not only on the number of trees but on how effectively they are planted, maintained, and measured. Precision, ecosystem sustainability, and transparent monitoring are essential. Emerging climate technologies using artificial intelligence —such as satellite-based remote sensing and advanced carbon quantification platforms — offer transformative tools to enhance the effectiveness of nature-based solutions. This will enable the Kingdom to deliver measurable results while advancing global climate adaptation aspirations. Nature-based solutions, including afforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and wetland restoration, can provide up to 37 percent of the cost-effective carbon mitigation required by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement goals. However, implementing nature-based solutions in Saudi Arabia's hyper-arid environment presents unique challenges. Climate stressors such as extreme heat, saline soils, and water scarcity require data-driven approaches to ensure ecological suitability, long-term survival, and resilience. Technologies such as light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, which use laser pulses to map terrain and vegetation in three dimensions, allow detailed analysis of canopy structure, soil degradation, and vegetation health. When integrated with AI and hyperspectral imaging, these tools can identify optimal restoration sites, track survival rates, and verify carbon uptake in near real time. Institutions such as the National Center for Vegetation Cover could use this technology to improve resource targeting and support digital monitoring, reporting, and verification systems for national and international carbon markets. Globally, countries are successfully leveraging such technologies. Kenya's Regreening Africa initiative employs drone imagery and AI to evaluate large-scale restoration efforts, using geospatial tools to monitor tens of thousands of hectares and significantly improve outcomes. In Peru, satellite-based forest monitoring platforms enhance transparency and help prevent illegal deforestation in Amazonian restoration zones. These examples offer replicable models that Saudi Arabia can adapt and scale. The economic rationale is equally compelling. The social cost of carbon, reflecting the economic damage from each additional tonne of CO2 emitted, can reach as high as $185 per tonne depending on the applied discount rate and modeling assumptions, according to estimates reported in 2022 by Kevin Rennert and fellow researchers in the journal Nature. In contrast, the cost of restoring mangroves to sequester carbon has been estimated to range from $4.50 to $18 per tonne of CO2, depending on site-specific factors and carbon recovery assumptions, while delivering additional benefits such as coastal protection, biodiversity enhancement, and improved fisheries. In a country where approximately one third of the population resides along the coast, restoring mangroves and wetlands becomes a dual-purpose strategy that combines mitigation with adaptation. Technology also reduces the risk of maladaptation, where restoration efforts fail due to poor species selection or lack of climate-fit design. Applying frameworks like dynamic adaptive policy pathways can help Saudi policymakers sequence restoration phases under uncertainty and adjust plans based on feedback and risk thresholds. Even the most advanced tools will fall short without the trust, knowledge, and participation of those most affected by environmental change. Adnan Masoudy & Hassan Alzain Co-developing projects with local communities and scientists ensures financial stability and long-term social resilience. Adaptation finance remains critically underfunded. The Adaptation Gap Report 2024 estimates that the financing needed is between $231 and $416 billion per year, up from previous estimates of $194 to $366 billion, reflecting rising global costs and urgent adaptation needs. To fully realize this potential, Saudi Arabia should prioritize advancing three strategic steps. First, launch a national open-access geospatial dashboard that integrates LIDAR, AI, and remote sensing data to track nature-based solutions progress nationwide. Second, engage more deeply with global platforms such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Global Mangrove Alliance, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility to exchange technical knowledge and obtain access to climate finance. Third, establish a climate and nature tech innovation hub in collaboration with local universities to pilot and localize nature-based solutions, monitoring solutions tailored for drylands, while accelerating the development and deployment of new climate and nature-based startups in the region. As Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, the Kingdom's ambassador to the US, eloquently stated on SGI Day 2025: 'The future is not something that comes at us; it's something we create ... Climate action is not a dream — it is a reality we are building together.' Her words capture the spirit of SGI as not just a national strategy, but a movement defined by momentum, measurable action, and collective resolve. That momentum is already visible. As of 2024, Saudi Arabia has planted over 115 million trees and restored 118,000 hectares of degraded land — a significant leap from where the journey began just a few years ago. These achievements demonstrate that bold climate pledges are being converted into tangible, large-scale outcomes on the ground. But technology and investment alone are not enough. As explained by Robert Klee, senior lecturer and managing director of clean energy programs at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment: 'Nature-based solutions can be empowered by technology, but must be governed by people — especially those most vulnerable to climate risks. 'It is in aligning science, justice, and local knowledge that real climate progress takes root.' This insight points to a deeper truth: meaningful climate progress depends as much on governance and inclusion as it does on innovation. Even the most advanced tools will fall short without the trust, knowledge, and participation of those most affected by environmental change. Within the SGI framework, embedding local leadership and equity into restoration design can elevate both the impact and legitimacy of nature-based solutions across Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes. By fusing nature and innovation, and engaging local communities in the development and deployment of nature-based solutions, Saudi Arabia can transform its drylands into living laboratories of climate resilience. The SGI offers more than a greening strategy. With smart climate technologies, it can become a global model for how climate ambition, ecological science, cutting-edge tools, and social support converge to drive meaningful environmental transformation in the decades to come. • Adnan Masoudy is manager of corporate sustainability, environment, and biodiversity at Ma'aden and Hassan Alzain is author of the award-winning book 'Green Gambit.'
The Independent
6 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Blood-red water pours down Paris fountain in pro-Palestine protest
Showing now | News 01:38 Pro-Palestinian protesters dyed water in a Paris fountain blood-red to 'denounce the ongoing massacres in Gaza'. Greenpeace France, Oxfam France and other NGOs poured several litres of red food colouring in the Fountain of the Innocents on Wednesday (28 May). Standing in and around the fountain, demonstrators can be seen holding banners reading: 'GAZA: STOP THE BLOODBATH', 'MACRON MUST (FINALLY) ACT' and 'CEASEFIRE'. In a statement, Greenpeace France said: 'This operation aims to denounce France's slow response to the dire humanitarian emergency facing the people of Gaza today.' In a joint statement, France, the UK, and Canada's leaders said they 'strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. 'The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.' 03:25 10:44 07:06 07:42 08:21 17:10 06:38 09:22 08:02 06:42 05:23 07:08 05:03 09:53 07:25 09:32 05:23 05:35 09:47 06:28 06:23 07:35 04:24 08:29 08:03 11:54 08:21 06:38 07:25 04:31 07:30 03:34 02:03 03:22 02:15 02:22 02:21 01:43 01:42 01:45 10:44 03:44 07:42 09:22 06:11 07:50 06:21 02:19 03:51 04:18 06:26 04:30 03:35 03:45 07:34 08:19 10:42 06:27 07:23 06:35 More Behind The Headlines 12:18 11:50 09:03 13:07 00:57 00:34 01:57 04:37 00:55 00:54 00:21 00:16 00:49 00:33 01:00 00:31 00:54 01:08 01:35 00:47 00:32 00:18 00:59 00:51 00:51 00:42 00:21 07:54 00:56 00:56 00:29 01:22 00:33 00:21 00:21 00:57 03:29 03:07 03:07 03:24 01:36 00:42 01:26 00:32 00:31 02:00 00:40 00:58 04:23 04:26 01:01 01:07 15:55 16:33 16:06 15:01 15:16 01:16 00:36 00:48 01:08 More Saudi Green Initiative 01:12 01:23 01:24 Live
Saudi Gazette
20-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Inspects the readiness of Holy Sites to welcome pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah inspected a number of sites in the Holy Sites. This comes in line with the Saudi leadership's directives to ensure all preparations for receiving pilgrims for this year's Hajj season 2025. The minister also reviewed the readiness of facilities, infrastructure, and services provided to pilgrims, ensuring their comfort and safety. Al-Rabiah inspected the readiness of the Kadana Al Wadi Towers, which represent a comprehensive transformation in the way pilgrims stay in Mina. He inspected a number of new projects implemented by Kadana Development Company to improve and develop the environment of the holy sites. The projects scheduled to be launched this year include advanced service facilities aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and improving the quality of services provided to pilgrims, including the project to establish a new emergency hospital in Mina with a capacity of 200 beds, and the establishment of 71 emergency centers along the pedestrian paths in the holy sites. Other projects inlcude shading and cooling the squares surrounding the Namirah Mosque on an area of 85,000 square meters, establishing 320 canopies, installing 350 misting fans, and completing the first phase of developing the restroom system in Mina by replacing 2116 restrooms with 61 modern two-story complexes containing more than 5600 restrooms. With the aim of raising the efficiency of services and providing a more comfortable environment for the guests of God, it has also completed planting 20,000 trees on an area of 290,000 square meters within the Green Sites Project, which is in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to increase green spaces and moderate the inspection visits come within the framework of ongoing coordination between relevant government agencies, such as the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites and Kadana Development Company, the main developer of the Holy Sites, to ensure comprehensive readiness before the start of this year's Hajj rituals and provide the best enriching and organizational experience for Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the arrival of more than 600,000 pilgrims so far, through various land, air and seaports, representing about 42 percent of the total expected pilgrim visas for this year, in an indication of the acceleration of the pace of arrival from outside Saudi competent authorities continue to intensify their efforts to ensure an organized Hajj season, relying on advanced infrastructure and an integrated service system that meets the aspirations of pilgrims and reflects Saudi Arabia's continued commitment to serving those visiting the Two Holy Mosques.
Leaders
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia, China Foster Environmental Cooperation in Beijing
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley has discussed the bilateral cooperation with China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The meeting was an integral part of Alfadley's official visit to Beijing from May 12 to 14, to foster environmental relations between both countries. The visit sought basically to explore new opportunities for cooperation in environmental sustainability. During their meeting, both officials shared prospects for bilateral coordination in various areas such as environmental protection, pollution reduction technologies and ecosystem restoration. For the sake of an environmental partnership based on innovation and integration, both ministers exchanged expertise in sustainable environmental management. In this regard, Alfadley noted that the world is facing escalated environmental challenges. Therefore, it has become necessary to join forces and cooperate to achieve the goals of sustainable development. For example, Saudi Arabia has adopted a number of local, regional and international initiatives, including the following ones: Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate (40) million hectares of land and reach zero carbon neutrality by 2060. Green Middle East Initiative, which seeks to rehabilitate (200) million hectares of land in Asia and Africa. Riyadh Global Drought Preparedness Partnership Land and Coral Reef under the G20 umbrella All these initiatives align with a strategic vision designed to boost environmental sustainability and address environmental challenges. Related Topics: Jeddah's Coral Reefs Shine at Biennale Environmental Dialogue COP16 Darah Highlights Environmental Preservation Efforts Environmental Experts Highlight Saudi Initiatives at FAO Event Short link : Post Views: 21 Related Stories
Mid East Info
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
EVS Saudi Arabia 2025: Powering the Kingdom's Sustainable Transport Future
EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 proudly stands at the forefront of the Kingdom's transformative journey toward sustainability, with a strong emphasis on revolutionising the transport sector. As a flagship initiative under Saudi Vision 2030 , the event reaffirms national commitments to clean energy, carbon neutrality, and smart mobility. Organised by MIE Group , EVS Saudi brought together global and regional stakeholders to forge new paths in sustainable innovation. The exhibition highlighted the breadth of the electric mobility landscape, from passenger vehicles and commercial fleets to charging infrastructure and advanced battery technologies. Showcasing a Thriving EV Ecosystem The 2025 edition featured cutting- edge displays from leading Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs) including Eurabus, Geely, Lotus, Zeekr, Xiaomi, Lucid Motors, Jetour, Kia, Hummer ( General Motors), Honda, Mini ( Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors), Riddara, Rox, TAM , and Volvo Electromin . Forward- thinking mobility disruptors like FlyNow also contributed to the exhibition's innovation- driven environment. EV infrastructure pioneers such as EVIQ, Vista Charge, ICharge, Fuel Way , and Electromin presented scalable, climate- adapted EV charging solutions designed to meet the Kingdom's current and future needs. Meanwhile, battery technology firms and energy innovators underscored the importance of building resilient local supply chains, further enhancing Saudi Arabia's clean tech leadership across the region. This convergence of innovation demonstrated a clear alignment with the Saudi Green Initiative , promoting emissions reduction, economic diversification, and homegrown technological advancement. Government– Private Sector Synergy: The Driving Force A defining characteristic of EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 was the powerful synergy between the public and private sectors. Key national stakeholders, including the Transport General Authority ( TGA), Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry , and the National Automotive & Vehicles Academy ( NAVA), played active roles in shaping the policy, talent, and standardisation frameworks essential for achieving Vision 2030. This collaborative spirit extended to event partnerships, which included leading entities such as: Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre Vista Charge EVmax EVIQ FlyNow International Federation for Electric Vehicle Association ( IFEVA) Clean Energy Business Council ( CEBC) Auto Data, Caremark, SASCO, and Frost & Sullivan Together, these players created an environment of open dialogue and strategic cooperation, accelerating Saudi Arabia's sustainable mobility transformation. Key Partnerships Formed During EV Saudi Arabia 2025 Beyond showcasing technology, EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 served as a platform for high- impact partnerships that will shape the future of the Kingdom's EV landscape: Abudawood Logistics & Electromin ( Petromin): Partnered to integrate electric trucks into Abudawood's logistics fleet. The collaboration supports the Saudi Green Initiative, beginning with the deployment of electric light- duty trucks to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. iCharge & Fuel Way: Formalised a strategic alliance to expand EV charging infrastructure and integrated mobility solutions across the Kingdom, ensuring broader accessibility for electric vehicle users. EVIQ & Lotus ( Al Walan Trading): Signed a partnership agreement to create advanced, tailored EV charging solutions for Lotus customers in Saudi Arabia. Auton & Turning Point: Launched a new partnership focused on fostering long- term innovation and sustainable mobility development within the Kingdom. These strategic collaborations reinforce EVS Saudi's role as a launchpad for innovation and cross- sector cooperation, helping position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in sustainable transport. Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Next Five Years The Saudi EV ecosystem is poised for dynamic growth. Over the next five years, we anticipate: A nationwide rollout of fast- charging infrastructure Seamless integration with smart grid systems Enhanced digital connectivity across mobility networks A surge in local manufacturing and R& D initiatives EVS Saudi has already sparked significant momentum around local vehicle assembly, battery recycling, and technology transfer partnerships. These developments are paving the way for the Kingdom to become a regional hub for EV production and clean tech innovation by 2030 . Join Us at EVS Saudi Arabia 2026 Mark your calendars and be part of the next chapter in Saudi Arabia's electric mobility transformation. Date: 3– 5 May 2026 Venue: Jeddah International Convention & Exhibition Centre We invite all industry leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers to join us at EVS Saudi Arabia 2026 . Together, we will continue driving the Kingdom's transition toward a smarter, cleaner, and electrified future. Visit our website
