Latest news with #SaudiGreenInitiative
Gulf Insider
5 hours ago
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia To Build 1,000 Rainwater Harvesting Dams With 4 Million m³ Annual Capacity
Saudi Arabia has made major strides in environmental conservation, water sustainability, and food security as part of its Vision 2030 goals, according to Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. 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.
Arab News
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
Saudi Motorsport Company earns FIA's top environmental accolade
JEDDAH: Saudi Motorsport Company has received the prestigious Three-Star rating under the FIA Environmental Accreditation Program, marking a significant step forward in the Kingdom's drive to combine elite motorsport with international sustainability standards. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The award, the highest recognition granted by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, follows a detailed independent audit that assessed the company's environmental practices across 17 key criteria. The rating places the Saudi entity among an elite group of motorsport organizations globally, being certified at the top level. The audit evaluated the company's environmental management system using international frameworks, including ISO 14001. According to the federation, the Three-Star rating is reserved for stakeholders that demonstrate 'best practice and continuous improvement,' reflecting a strategic, long-term commitment to sustainability. The company's achievement represents a broader shift in how motorsport is being positioned in Saudi Arabia, as a vehicle for both entertainment and environmental consciousness. It has integrated sustainability across its operations, from event logistics and infrastructure to energy use and resource management. This approach aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which promotes economic diversification, sustainable development and a more vibrant society. It also reinforces the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, launched to combat climate change and accelerate the transition toward renewable energy. Saudi Motorsport Company said in a press release: 'Receiving the Three-Star rating is a testament to the dedication and vision behind every event we deliver. It's not just about hosting races, it's about doing so responsibly, in a way that contributes positively to society and the environment.' The certification also signals the company's intention to become a regional benchmark for sustainability in motorsport, using high-profile events such as the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Dakar Rally, and WRC Rally Saudi Arabia to promote environmental awareness and green practices. Founded under the umbrella of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, the Saudi Motorsport Company plays a central role in shaping the Kingdom's motorsport ambitions. With more than 180 professionals overseeing everything from track operations at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to international partnerships, the company is positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in global motorsport.
Arab News
9 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Over 151m trees planted under Saudi Green Initiative
RIYADH: More than 151 million trees have been planted and 500,000 hectares of land rehabilitated under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion in total, the Kingdom's environment minister said on Wednesday. The Kingdom has made significant progress under the National Environment Strategy, en-route to achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals in conservation, water sustainability and food security, said Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. During a press briefing, Al-Fadley also announced the establishment of five specialized environmental centers, including the Middle East's first Regional Center for Climate Change Studies and the world's fourth Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms. 'The Kingdom has (also) established an environmental fund that is the largest of its kind in the region, reflecting a serious commitment to supporting environmental initiatives,' the minister added. Protected terrestrial areas went from covering 4.5 percent of the Kingdom's territory to 18.1 percent, and the number of national parks has increased from 18 to 500. Since the establishment of the National Center for Environmental Compliance in 2020, more than 40,000 permits have been issued, an increase of 660 percent. Over 8,000 endangered species have been reintroduced into their natural marine habitats since 2016 as protected zones have grown by 260 percent. Monitoring services have expanded in all sectors across the Kingdom. There are now 240 air-quality monitoring stations, a new marine program to detect and respond to oil spills, and advanced meteorological sensing and prediction systems. 'We conducted 711 cloud‑seeding flights across regions and increased strategic (water) storage capacity by 600 percent,' increasing rainfall by 6.4 million cubic meters to encourage vegetation and nourish water resources, he said. New developments have been made in city-level waste management as well, with 21 strategic management plans, and the identification of 330 investment opportunities worth SR450 billion ($119.9 billion). A number of grants, incentives and environmental funds have been created to support academic collaboration and private sector innovation on mechanisms to divert 90 percent of waste from landfills by 2040. Al-Fadley also confirmed that water projects worth over SR230 billion have been completed, which includes public and private sector investments for infrastructure and reuse systems. 'Saudi Arabia was chosen by the UN Water Committee as a global model for water sustainability,' he said. The minister announced that the Kingdom was building 1,000 rainwater-harvesting dams with an annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. The Kingdom is the world's top producer of desalinated water with production capacity reaching 16.6 million cubic meters per day in late 2024, an increase of nearly 100 percent compared to 2016. And strategic water storage capacity has jumped to 600 percent, with most cities having an average supply coverage of three days rather than one. In addition to being a large producer, Saudi Arabia also delivers water to 22,000 population centers through an 18,000-km pipeline network. Reused water now makes up 32 percent of total usage. The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation saves 120,000 cubic meters of water daily, with plans to increase it to 300,000, the minister added. Over 65 percent of those working in the water sector are citizens, and Saudi Arabia engineers make up 97 percent of engineering roles, marking an emphasis on self-reliance. The minister said 25 public–private partnership agreements were signed involving SR100 billion in investments. Energy reduction is also a big focus for the country. Since 2016, the amount of electricity consumed has been cut by half. The agricultural sector now makes up SR118 billion of the nation's gross domestic product, an 8 percent increase from the previous year, and food production increased to 12 million tonnes. Al-Fadley said a major economic and cultural achievement was that the Kingdom was now the world's top date exporter, completely self-sufficient in date production and distribution, as well as in milk and eggs. For key vegetables self-sufficiency was between 70 to 100 percent, and poultry and seafood exports were growing, he added.
Malaysian Reserve
13 hours ago
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve launches the Middle East's first female sea ranger corps
Marking World Ranger Day, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve celebrates a historic milestone in marine conservation RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2025 /CNW/ — Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve proudly announces the launch of the Middle East's first female sea ranger corps, breaking new ground in conservation. Announced on World Ranger Day, the new marine rangers are part of the Reserve's 246-strong ranger team, of which 34% are women. They patrol the Reserve's 170-kilometer Red Sea coastline, alongside their male counterparts and the Border Guard. Ruqayyah Awadh AlBalawi has worked as a ranger at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve for three years, joining the Reserve as part of the first ranger intake and is now a qualified sea ranger. 'I have discovered a whole new world under water. I'm proud to be part of the first group of women to learn how to swim at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. I dream of the day when a woman serves as the skipper of the Reserve's marine patrol boat.' 'Since the Reserve's inception, inclusion of women in the workplace has been a priority, in line with Vision 2030,' explains Reserve CEO, Andrew Zaloumis. 'The conservation industry globally is known for gender imbalance, which is even more exacerbated in the marine sector. When we recruited the first ranger corps in 2021, we encouraged women to apply. Today, women make up 34% of Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve's ranger force, just 1% shy of the Vision 2030 target for women in the workplace. This is well above the global average of female rangers of 11%.' 'Women bring essential skills to conservation, and as Saudi Arabia progresses towards the global goal of protecting 30% of earth's land and sea by 2030, we are committed to building the skilled, inclusive ranger teams needed to power conservation in the Kingdom.' The Reserve's rangers are pivotal to the achievement of its mission to 'Rewild Arabia' and the Kingdom-wide goals of the Saudi Green Initiative. Responsible for safeguarding the natural and cultural assets of the Reserve – both on land and at sea – while allowing tourists and visitors to safely experience the Reserve, their duties include ecological monitoring to inform conservation strategies, supporting animal reintroductions, managing wildlife populations, and overseeing development projects to ensure compliance with environmental and social impact assessments. Specialized training is ongoing with the opportunity to build an impactful career in the rapidly expanding conservation industry that directly contributes to the Kingdom's Vision 2030. As a result, jobs are in demand with over 35,000 applications received to be a Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve ranger. Since 2022, the Reserve's rangers have undertaken almost 35,000 patrols. Female rangers undertake the same duties as their male counterparts, working in mixed patrol teams across the Reserve's 24,500km² terrestrial section. However, until now, there were no female sea rangers, largely due to limited access to swimming instruction and career opportunities in the marine sector. In July 2024, the Reserve launched a swimming and marine training program under the direction of Senior Regional Manager Dominique du Toit, an experienced South African terrestrial and marine conservationist. One year later, the first seven trained female sea rangers have joined marine patrols of the Reserve's 3,856 km² marine section. Dominique explains, 'The training program highlights the rangers' dedication and discipline to learn new skills. This has been, and remains, an incredible accomplishment and these rangers can be proud of the challenge they have overcome.' Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve's 3,856km² marine area covers 1.8% of the Kingdom's territorial waters and is home to 64% of the Kingdom's coral species, 22% of its fish species, as well as Hawksbill and Green turtle populations, Spinner dolphin, Dugong, Whale shark and critical gray mangrove ecosystems. The Reserve's marine rangers patrol two custom-designed boats ensuring the conservation and protection of this vital seascape. Photo:
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with 4 million m³ annual capacity
, under the ambitious framework of Vision 2030, is making remarkable progress in environmental conservation, water sustainability, and food security. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, recently highlighted the Kingdom's efforts during the Government Press Conference, shedding light on the implementation of various strategies and achievements. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These efforts not only support the Kingdom's long-term goals but also reinforce its leadership in sustainable practices in the region. A Green Revolution: Environmental Sustainability at the Forefront One of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is environmental preservation, and the Kingdom has made impressive strides in this area. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and conserve biodiversity, several ambitious projects are already underway. Land Rehabilitation and Tree Planting : Over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and an impressive 151 million trees have been planted. The goal is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant 215 million trees by 2030. The Kingdom ultimately aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares, positioning itself as a global leader in reforestation efforts. : Over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and an impressive 151 million trees have been planted. The goal is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant 215 million trees by 2030. The Kingdom ultimately aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares, positioning itself as a global leader in reforestation efforts. Protected Areas and National Parks : In a major push for biodiversity, the number of national parks in Saudi Arabia has grown dramatically from 18 to 500. In tandem, the Kingdom has increased the size of protected terrestrial areas, which now cover 18% of its territory, a fourfold increase. Marine protected areas have grown by a staggering 260% since 2016. : In a major push for biodiversity, the number of national parks in Saudi Arabia has grown dramatically from 18 to 500. In tandem, the Kingdom has increased the size of protected terrestrial areas, which now cover 18% of its territory, a fourfold increase. Marine protected areas have grown by a staggering 260% since 2016. Wildlife Conservation : Saudi Arabia is home to more than 8,000 endangered species, which have been successfully reintroduced into their natural habitats as part of the Kingdom's broader conservation efforts. This work highlights the country's commitment to preserving its rich and diverse ecosystems for future generations. : Saudi Arabia is home to more than 8,000 endangered species, which have been successfully reintroduced into their natural habitats as part of the Kingdom's broader conservation efforts. This work highlights the country's commitment to preserving its rich and diverse ecosystems for future generations. Environmental Regulations and Enforcement : The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management. In a significant development, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, marking a 660% increase since the establishment of the National Center for Environmental Compliance . Additionally, over 173,000 environmental inspections were carried out in the past few years. : The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management. In a significant development, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, marking a 660% increase since the establishment of the . Additionally, over 173,000 environmental inspections were carried out in the past few years. Innovative Programs: Saudi Arabia has launched cutting-edge initiatives like the cloud-seeding program, which has completed over 711 sorties to increase rainfall and bolster water resources. In addition, the Kingdom has established 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 globally. Water Sustainability: A Global Leader in Desalination and Conservation Water scarcity has been a critical challenge for Saudi Arabia, but the Kingdom has made significant strides in addressing this issue through innovative projects and technologies. Desalination and Water Production : Saudi Arabia is now the world's largest producer of desalinated water. Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day, with 75% of this being desalinated seawater. This ensures the availability of fresh water across the Kingdom, including remote areas and arid regions. : Saudi Arabia is now the world's largest producer of desalinated water. Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day, with 75% of this being desalinated seawater. This ensures the availability of fresh water across the Kingdom, including remote areas and arid regions. Water Storage and Distribution : Strategic water storage capacity has seen a 600% increase, enabling the Kingdom to manage and distribute water more effectively. In addition, Saudi Arabia has built an extensive 18,000-kilometer pipeline network that delivers water to over 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations as high as 3,000 meters. : Strategic water storage capacity has seen a 600% increase, enabling the Kingdom to manage and distribute water more effectively. In addition, Saudi Arabia has built an extensive 18,000-kilometer pipeline network that delivers water to over 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations as high as 3,000 meters. Water Reuse : The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. : The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. Rainwater Harvesting Dams: The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. Sustainability Achievements: The Kingdom's efforts in the water sector have been recognized globally. During the UN Water Conference , Saudi Arabia was hailed as a global model for sustainable water practices. Completed water projects now exceed SR230 billion in value, with SR10 billion allocated to public infrastructure and over SR45 billion from private sector collaboration. Food Security: Boosting Agricultural Production and Self-Sufficiency In the realm of food security, Saudi Arabia has successfully enhanced its agricultural output, contributing to national self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports. Growth in Agricultural GDP : Agricultural GDP has increased by 8% in the past year, reaching SR118 billion. In just three years, food production has surged by 39%, reaching a total of 12 million tons. The Kingdom's agricultural policies, alongside initiatives by the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund , have played a key role in this growth. : Agricultural GDP has increased by 8% in the past year, reaching SR118 billion. In just three years, food production has surged by 39%, reaching a total of 12 million tons. The Kingdom's agricultural policies, alongside initiatives by the , have played a key role in this growth. Self-Sufficiency in Key Foods : Saudi Arabia has achieved full self-sufficiency in several key food products, including dates, milk, and eggs. The Kingdom has also reached impressive levels of self-sufficiency in vegetables (ranging from 70%–100%) and poultry (over 70%). This decrease in reliance on imports not only supports local agriculture but also strengthens the Kingdom's food security. : Saudi Arabia has achieved full self-sufficiency in several key food products, including dates, milk, and eggs. The Kingdom has also reached impressive levels of self-sufficiency in vegetables (ranging from 70%–100%) and poultry (over 70%). This decrease in reliance on imports not only supports local agriculture but also strengthens the Kingdom's food security. Global Competitiveness : Saudi Arabia remains the world's leading exporter of dates, and exports of fish and shrimp have also expanded. The Kingdom has made notable strides in global competitiveness in various agricultural sectors, ensuring that its food industry continues to grow and diversify. : Saudi Arabia remains the world's leading exporter of dates, and exports of fish and shrimp have also expanded. The Kingdom has made notable strides in global competitiveness in various agricultural sectors, ensuring that its food industry continues to grow and diversify. Role of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC): Al-Fadley also praised the efforts of SALIC, a key player in securing the Kingdom's wheat imports. Through overseas projects, SALIC supplies 30% of the Kingdom's wheat imports, reinforcing food security and the diversification of Saudi Arabia's agricultural supply chains.
