Saudi Arabia expressed its appreciation for the accomplishments of the G20 in finding sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and strengthening efforts to tackle land degradation, a significant threat to biodiversity, food security, and climate change adaptation.
Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment Dr. Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha made the acknowledgement at the G20 environment and climate ministers' meeting held in New Delhi, India.
During his address, Dr. Faqeeha discussed various crucial topics related to environmental sustainability and climate change, such as the blue economy, resource efficiency, circular economy, land and water management, and biodiversity.
He highlighted the measures taken by the Kingdom to preserve marine and water ecosystems, including the Saudi Green Initiative, and emphasized the Saudi objective of achieving 30% marine reserves by 2030 and the implementation of a national strategy for the sustainability of the Red Sea, focusing on 15 sectors of the blue economy.
Dr. Faqeeha also underscored the Kingdom's collaborations with regional countries and the International Maritime Organization to establish the Red Sea as a special marine zone, which will take effect in January 2025, according to SPA.
He further commended the G20's support for the global platform CORDAP (Collaborative Action on Coral Reefs and People), which was launched during the Kingdom's G20 presidency.
He emphasized that the Kingdom has implemented a circular strategy for the carbon economy and introduced a new waste management law to increase recycling rates. Additionally, the Kingdom has adopted various strategies to safeguard natural resources, including the National Environment Strategy, Saudi Green Initiative, National Water Strategy, and the Food Security Strategy, which aims to reduce food waste by 50%.
The Saudi official expressed the Kingdom's gratitude for the G20's endeavors to enhance integrated water management, aligning with the water group platform established during the Kingdom's G20 presidency in 2020. He highlighted the Kingdom's significant investments in promoting renewable water sources within Saudi Arabia, such as expanding the desalination sector and maximizing the utilization of rainwater and treated water.
