Saudi Arabia Celebrates First Saudi Green Initiative Day
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia marked its inaugural Saudi Green Initiative Day with a focus on building a sustainable legacy for future generations.
The event, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 27, 2021, showcases the Kingdom’s dedication to transitioning towards a greener future.
Under the theme “For Our Today and Their Tomorrow: KSA Together for a Greener Future,” more than 80 public- and private-sector projects are collaborating as part of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), with investments exceeding SR705 billion ($188 billion) in the green economy.
These projects aim to improve quality of life, stimulate economic growth in emerging sectors, and align with the objectives of Vision 2030.
The SGI has been instrumental in restoring natural habitats, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of environmental challenges such as dust storms, rainfall shortages, sand encroachment, and desertification.
With 2.8 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity already connected to the national grid, providing power to over 520,000 homes, additional projects are in progress to expand capacity further.
Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has planted over 49 million trees and shrubs across the country, alongside extensive land rehabilitation efforts.
In an effort to increase vegetation in residential areas, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has spearheaded various planting projects, including initiatives in Riyadh, Yanbu Governorate, and Al-Ahsa Governorate.
The overarching goal of protecting 30 percent of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine areas by 2030 is well underway, with 18.1 percent of land and 6.49 percent of marine environments already safeguarded.
Through conservation efforts, more than 1,660 endangered animals have been successfully reintroduced to their natural habitats, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental preservation.