Saudi Arabia Rehabilitates 250,000 Hectares Under COP16 Environmental Goals

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Alfadley, announced significant progress in the Kingdom’s environmental efforts during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh.

Key Achievements in Land Rehabilitation and Tree Planting

Minister Alfadley revealed that 250,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and over 115 million trees will be planted by the end of 2024. These efforts are part of the ambitious Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land and plant 10 billion trees.

During the panel discussion “Leadership in Climate Action and Sustainable Development” at the International Exhibition and Forum for Afforestation Technologies, the minister detailed Saudi Arabia’s strategies to combat desertification and promote sustainability.

Major Environmental Initiatives

Saudi Arabia’s global environmental contributions include:

1. Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives:
   • Plan to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East.
   • Launch of international projects for land rehabilitation and afforestation.
2. Water Conservation and Management:
   • Increased water recycling in agriculture from 500,000 cubic meters to 2 million cubic meters annually.
   • Goal to reuse 90% of treated water for sustainability.
   • Elimination of fuel burning for water production, saving 300,000 barrels of fuel daily.
3. Food Security Measures:
   • Reducing food waste from 33% to 15% by 2030.
   • Strategic focus on 11 key crops for sustainable local production.
   • Investment in agriculture through the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) to enhance global food supplies.
4. Protected Areas and Biodiversity:
   • Aiming to protect 30% of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine areas by 2030, surpassing global commitments.

Driving Sustainability Through Circular Economy

The Kingdom is adopting circular economy principles, focusing on waste recycling, resource preservation, and afforestation. Treated water is now extensively used for tree planting to support environmental goals.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has achieved significant cost reductions in water production, with costs dropping to one-third of 2016 levels.

The Role of the Private Sector

Minister Alfadley highlighted the critical role of the private sector, contributing 50% of afforestation efforts. The growth of environmental organizations in Saudi Arabia, now 25 times higher than before, further drives the success of these initiatives.

Vision for the Future

Saudi Arabia’s strategic environmental efforts are part of its broader goal to combat desertification, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure sustainable development. By integrating advanced water management practices, food security strategies, and global collaborations, the Kingdom is setting new benchmarks for environmental action.

Quick Facts:

• Target: Rehabilitate 40 million hectares, plant 10 billion trees.
• Progress: 250,000 hectares restored, 115 million trees planted by 2024.
• Water Reuse: 90% of treated water targeted for afforestation.
• Global Leadership: Leading the Middle East Green Initiative to plant 50 billion trees regionally.