RIYADH: Saudi Arabian environmental expert Dr. Fahd Turkestan says raising community awareness of environmental balance is crucial to protect the world, conserve biodiversity and promote sustainability. I am.
Turkestan, a former associate professor of chemistry at Umm Al Qura University, spoke to Arab News about the government’s declaration of March 27 as Saudi Green Initiative Day.
He said he believes this will protect and restore the local environment, promote sustainability, educate the public and encourage community participation. It will also have a positive impact on the economy, health and social sectors.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on March 27, 2021 the Saudi Green Initiative, which promotes sustainability efforts and climate action in the Kingdom, and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to combat climate change. It launched two initiatives called the “Middle East Green Initiative.”
Sana Al Shahri, Chairman of Raisa Environmental Services, said the impact of Saudi Green Initiative Day will not only be felt on the environment but also on society.
Designating an annual day for the Green Saudi Initiative underscores the Saudi leadership’s commitment to making environmental decisions, promoting community engagement, and encouraging participation in environmental initiatives. she added.
Al-Shafri, member of the Environment Committee of the Asharkia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of this day in raising awareness about environmental issues, especially among young people.
“Laws alone are not enough to protect the environment, so motivating the private sector is also important.”
Since tree planting began under the Saudi Green Initiative, Al-Shahri said he noticed that “sandstorms, which used to occur four to five times a year, have decreased significantly last year.”
President Turkestan emphasized that this initiative will contribute to improving urban planning and building green and sustainable communities. It would also improve the quality of life in cities by increasing the use of public transport and encouraging sports and outdoor recreation.
It will also help manage natural resources such as water, soil and forests, he added. Mr. Turkestan stressed the importance of educating the public about sustainable resource use and waste reduction.
The Saudi Green Initiative addresses environmental challenges through a three-part strategy. The first focuses on reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 278 million tonnes per year by 2030, which will be achieved by increasing renewable energy to 50 percent. He is also promoting investment in new energy sources, energy efficiency and carbon capture programs, all with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
The second pillar aims to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land to improve air quality and reduce dust storms.
Finally, the initiative works with global partners to protect natural habitats, committing to protect 30 percent of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine areas by 2030.
