Saudi Arabia in Nairobi: Planting 151 million trees and combating desertification
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's serious commitment to addressing global climate challenges, the Kingdom presented its pioneering experience in environmental sustainability to the international community in Nairobi, Kenya. During its participation in the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Saudi delegation revealed unprecedented figures, highlighting the Kingdom's success in rehabilitating more than 500,000 hectares of degraded land and planting over 151 million trees, representing a significant leap forward in the Saudi Green Initiative.
Vision 2030: A strategic shift towards sustainability
These achievements cannot be separated from the broader context of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which has established environmental protection as a cornerstone of quality of life. Prior to the Vision’s launch, environmental challenges such as desertification and dust storms posed significant developmental and economic obstacles. The shift towards a green economy has addressed these issues at their root, with the Kingdom adopting an integrated approach that links environmental conservation with economic development, making it a model for energy-producing nations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
A global call for urgent solutions
During the high-level meeting held on December 11 and 12 under the theme “Promoting Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour Al-Mashiti, emphasized the need for concerted international efforts. He stressed that temporary solutions are no longer effective in the face of accelerating climate change, calling on countries worldwide to adopt comprehensive national policies for managing natural resources and to focus on the concept of the “circular economy” as a strategic option to enhance resource efficiency and reduce waste.
Regional leadership through the Green Middle East Initiative
The Kingdom has not confined its efforts to within its borders, but has expanded its regional influence by leading the “Green Middle East Initiative.” This initiative is of paramount importance given the region’s geographical nature, characterized by water scarcity and rising temperatures. The Kingdom has successfully united the efforts of 30 Arab, Asian, and African countries, forming a massive environmental coalition aimed at planting billions of trees across the region. This will directly contribute to reducing temperatures, improving air quality, and protecting endangered biodiversity.
Environmental diplomacy and international initiatives
Internationally, Riyadh has solidified its position as a pivotal player in global environmental policy. This is clearly demonstrated by its hosting of major events such as the Conference of the Parties to Combat Desertification (COP16), and the launch of impactful initiatives like the Riyadh-based World Water Organization and the Riyadh Global Drought Preparedness Initiative. These moves reflect the Kingdom's understanding that the fight against water scarcity and land degradation is a battle for our shared destiny, requiring innovative solutions and sustainable funding.
At the conclusion of the participation, Saudi diplomacy succeeded in obtaining the approval of the United Nations Environment Assembly for a draft resolution it submitted to promote international cooperation in reducing land degradation, which is considered an international recognition of the success of the Saudi vision and its ability to lead the thorny environmental issues towards safety.
