The Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Alfadley sponsored the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in research, development, and innovation between the Ministry and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This collaboration seeks to strengthen the integration between the two entities, aligning with the Ministry's executive strategic plan for research and innovation and KAUST's strategy.
HE Alfadley also launched the algae & aquaculture technologies development project phase II at KAUST. This undertaking plays a crucial role in the algae technology development project and the aquaculture initiative within the Kingdom.
Alfadley said that the ministry's research and innovation executive plan focuses on embracing technology and innovation to address challenges and generate opportunities in the sector. He emphasized the project's goal of establishing the algae industry and its technologies within the Kingdom. Additionally, the initiative aims to create employment prospects and mitigate the impacts associated with carbon dioxide emissions.
KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan remarked, "Not only are we introducing cutting-edge technology, but we are also nurturing the next generation of Saudi algae farmers. Through training programs, we equip them with the knowledge and skills to cultivate, produce, harvest, and process algae – fostering a homegrown aquaculture industry marked by expertise and innovation."
During the event, many memorandums of understanding were signed between KAUST and several parties such as the Environmental Fund, Agricultural Development Fund, ARASCO, and others.