Saudi Arabia calls for stronger Gulf and global cooperation on environmental sustainability

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to advance environmental action at the national, regional, and international levels, emphasizing the importance of integrated efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. The statement came as the Kingdom, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, participated in the 28th meeting of GCC environment ministers, held in Bahrain.

Osama Faqeeha, Deputy Minister for Environment at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said the Kingdom has launched several key initiatives, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the National Environment Strategy. These efforts have led to a fourfold increase in the area of terrestrial and marine reserves, a 300% rise in waste recycling, the rehabilitation of over one million hectares of degraded land, the planting of more than 180 million trees, and the release of over 10,000 endangered wildlife species.

Faqeeha highlighted the significant role of GCC countries in supporting the Middle East Green Initiative, which now includes 35 member states. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh marked a turning point for the convention, with 37 decisions adopted and the launch of major initiatives such as “Business for Land” and the “Riyadh Global Partnership for Drought Resilience.”

International initiatives and conferences

Faqeeha added that Saudi Arabia’s presidency of COP16 continued to oversee the implementation of decisions up to the 17th session in Mongolia last month, with more than 200 initiatives now part of the “Riyadh Action Agenda” worldwide.

The Deputy Minister also welcomed Egypt’s hosting of the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties in 2028 and Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the next GCC environment ministers’ meeting.