During his participation in a dialogue session at the IUCN's 10th Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) for West Asia, held in Riyadh, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture emphasized that Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented environmental transformation and has achieved significant accomplishments at national, regional, and international levels. This progress is driven by a comprehensive national vision that has positioned the environmental sector as a key pillar of sustainable development.
His Excellency said that the Kingdom has launched the National Environment Strategy, along with various initiatives and programs to preserve the environment and biodiversity. Notable examples include initiatives introduced during the G20 Summit 2020, such as the Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and the Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform. Additionally, KSA launched the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, among others. He emphasized that these initiatives, programs, and plans form an integrated vision have aimed at protecting 30% of Saudi Arabia's terrestrial and marine areas.
His Excellency noted that the environmental sector has undergone a significant transformation and is actively working to achieve national, regional, and international goals. This progress is supported by an integrated institutional framework that includes a national strategy, environmental laws and regulations, and the establishment of specialized centers focused on wildlife, meteorology, combating desertification, waste management, and vegetation cover, along with the Environment Fund. He highlighted that hosting the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature for West Asia underscores the Kingdom's leading role in environmental preservation and protection. Furthermore, hosting the COP16 this December marks an important step toward enhancing international cooperation to find effective solutions for reducing land degradation and addressing the impacts of drought.
Held every four years, the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) serves as the leading platform for knowledge and partnerships in the region, bringing together key stakeholders in nature and biodiversity conservation.