His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Environment emphasized in the fourth part of his speech, delivered by Bin Hilalti, that the environmental and economic transformations the world has witnessed necessitate viewing the environment as an opportunity for development. He stressed that environmental protection has become a fundamental pillar in building robust and balanced economies, thereby enhancing quality of life and supporting comprehensive development.
This came during a financial address at the Council of Arab Ministers of Environment, which was supported by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The speech affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to Arab efforts in environmental protection and fostering growth and balance, emphasizing that protecting natural resources has become a central focus in building effective economies based on growth and equilibrium.
The Minister further explained that the Kingdom has made significant strides in environmental protection, starting with its new resources, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Protected areas now exceed 18% of the Kingdom’s total area, with a target of reaching 30% by 2030. He also highlighted the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to train 40 million people from diverse backgrounds, and the adoption of a land management system that aims to recycle 90% of the land used for cooperative economic activities.
Al-Mashiti noted that the Kingdom has made significant and impactful efforts through the Green Development Initiative, which has so far been joined by 30 Arab, Asian, and African countries. The initiative aims to plant 50 billion trees and restore 200 million hectares of green space. During its presidency in April 2020, the Kingdom also issued guidelines for global stakeholders on how to make a significant contribution by 2040.
He added that hosting a voluntary conference at the United Nations Conference on Desertification (COP16) in 2024 was pivotal in strengthening international efforts to protect the environment. The Kingdom launched the Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience initiative and the Early Warning Initiative for Quadrant and Sandstorms through a patent.
His Excellency pointed out that the environmentally friendly and economically driven transformations the world has witnessed necessitate treating the environment as an opportunity for development, not a burden. He emphasized that environmental protection has become a fundamental pillar in building diversified and balanced economies.
Al-Muhandisi delivered his speech, emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for the sisterly Sultanate of Oman during its presidency of the Seven United Adoption Company, and the Kingdom’s support for Arab work to achieve development and build the capabilities and resources of the peoples, congratulating the Environment Treasury for the progress of efforts in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in assuming the presidency of the current period.
