Saudi Environment Ministry Announces Recycling Plan, Boosting GDP by SR120 Bn

Saudi Arabia was able to preserve more than 90,000 hectares and plant 50 million trees (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) revealed a plan to develop the waste sector in the Kingdom which includes a 95% recycling target.
The plan will contribute approximately SR120 billion to the gross domestic product.
The Ministry's annual report for 2023 stated its goal of sustainability through recycling 100 million tons annually and creating over 100,000 jobs, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
The report highlighted efforts towards sustainable development goals, including the National Environmental Strategy, which has over 65 initiatives and an investment of over SAR 55 billion.
Saudi Arabia's waste management recycling rate stands currently at 3-4%, the world's lowest, which the Ministry aims to increase to 95%.
It acknowledges the existence of hazardous wastes, like medical waste, needing scientific management to ensure public safety.
The Ministry has also been able to preserve 90,000 hectares and has planted over 50 million trees, boosting community awareness and environmental compliance.
Efforts to monitor environmental compliance contributed to raising the level of quality of life.
The report noted that the Kingdom's Dust Storm Center recorded the lowest dust storms, just 10%. This success is attributed to numerous reserves, increased rainfall, cloud seeding, and the planting of nearly 50 million trees nationwide.