05 Dec 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia now has 20 percent of its territory designated as protected areas, a significant rise from just 3 percent a decade ago, according to a senior official.
By 2030, this figure is projected to increase to 30 percent, said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom’s envoy for climate, Adel Al-Jubeir.
During the “Climate Envoy Perspective” panel at the 4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum, Al-Jubeir highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability.
“We are protecting 30 percent of our territory; it will be protected areas, both sea and land,” Al-Jubeir said, emphasizing the country’s efforts to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable resource management.
He added: “The fact is, we used to (have) 3 percent of our territory protected 10 years ago, now we’re almost at 20 percent, and by 2030 will be 30 percent.”
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting its environment is evident in a wide range of initiatives. “We’re working on sustainable fishing in the Red Sea, as well as in the Gulf, and we’re making sure that everything we do is very, very in line with protecting our environment,” Al-Jubeir said.
He also noted that tourism projects along the Red Sea are being developed with rigorous sustainability and environmental standards, ensuring minimal impact on marine life.
The minister emphasized the progress of Saudi Arabia’s blue economy, drawing attention to the Kingdom’s announcement earlier regarding the launch of the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy.