Saudi Arabia and UN Environment Programme Join Forces to Combat Desertification and Restore Ecosystems
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Saudi Arabia and the UN Environment Programme have announced bold campaigns to combat desertification, restore ecosystems, and strengthen drought resilience ahead of World Environment Day celebrations on June 5 in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week Kicks Off With a Bang
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the announcement was made at the opening of Saudi Arabia’s Environment Week on Sunday, where Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli inaugurated the annual event with the aim of raising awareness of the critical importance of environmental protection.
Global Call to Action to Address Land Degradation
Deputy Minister for Environment Osama Faqeeha emphasized the shared responsibility in addressing land degradation and combating desertification during the event. He stressed the need for policymakers, the private sector, and civil society organizations globally to work together to restore agricultural areas, rehabilitate land, and tackle desertification and drought.
Urgent Need for Global Investments in Environmental Conservation
Faqeeha highlighted that on World Environment Day, Saudi Arabia will shine a light on the urgent need for global investments in conserving nature, restoring lands, and working towards sustainability to ensure a better future for all.
UNEP Launches Global Campaign at Saudi Environment Week
Elizabeth Mrema, deputy executive director of UNEP, launched a global campaign at a Saudi Environment Week event in Riyadh, calling on people worldwide to help tackle the climate and extinction crisis by restoring the ground we depend on for survival. The campaign aims to restore 1 billion hectares of land and protect 30 percent of land and sea for nature.
Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Environmental Protection
At the opening event of Saudi Environment Week, Al-Fadhli emphasized the importance of active engagement from governmental and private sectors, as well as individuals, to achieve the goals of environmental protection and conservation of the Kingdom’s natural resources. He stressed the significance of adopting eco-friendly behaviors and practices to reach sustainable development objectives.
The continuation of this national event annually in the Kingdom reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental protection and commitment to sustainable development, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s active participation in environmental agreements and organizations, as well as initiatives like the Middle East Green Initiative, demonstrates its commitment to environmental protection at national, regional, and international levels.