RIYADH: The fourth Saudi Green Initiative Forum began on Tuesday with the launch of five new groundbreaking environmental projects, valued at SR225 million ($60 million).
This announcement marks a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious environmental strategy, bringing the total investment in SGI initiatives to over $188 billion.
The new initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to tackling climate challenges, focusing on reducing emissions, combating desertification, and preserving the Kingdom’s natural ecosystems. The announcement coincides with the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, being held in Riyadh, and underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in global environmental efforts.
With 86 ongoing initiatives, the SGI is central to the Kingdom’s long-term vision of creating a more sustainable future. The program is focused on reducing emissions by 278 million tonnes annually and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides toward its renewable energy targets, including plans to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Since 2021, the Kingdom has planted over 100 million trees and rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of degraded land. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to restore 8 million hectares of land as part of its commitment to environmental regeneration.
The five new initiatives, led by Ma’aden, the Morooj Foundation in partnership with the private sector, and Tanmiah Food Co., will bolster efforts in afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and land rehabilitation. These projects are expected to plant millions of trees and mangroves, scatter 300 million seeds, and help reduce air pollution across the country.
According to a press release, these initiatives align with the broader Saudi Green Initiative goals, including the protection of 30 percent of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by 2030.
Other notable conservation achievements include the successful rewilding of endangered species, such as the recent birth of four cheetah cubs — the first in Saudi Arabia in over 40 years — under the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy, it added
The continued focus on environmental restoration is integral to Saudi Arabia’s broader vision of safeguarding its natural resources and biodiversity for future generations.
Source: www.arabnews.com
