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Saudi Space Agency Launches 'BioGravity' Initiative

The initiative is overseen by astronaut Rayyana Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut. SPA
The initiative is overseen by astronaut Rayyana Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut. SPA
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Saudi Space Agency Launches 'BioGravity' Initiative

The initiative is overseen by astronaut Rayyana Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut. SPA
The initiative is overseen by astronaut Rayyana Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut. SPA

The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) has announced the of launch of the "BioGravity" initiative, aiming to empower scientists and researchers in the field of biomedical sciences to conduct innovative research in microgravity.

The initiative seeks to enhance scientific collaboration between local and international entities and establish the Kingdom's position in space research for the benefit of humanity.

According to the SSA, the initiative is overseen by astronaut Rayyana Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, and focuses on creating a specialized research community in biomedical microgravity studies. It includes a select group of scientists and researchers from various universities, scientific centers, and relevant private-sector organizations in the Kingdom. It aims to broaden local capabilities and build specialized scientists in the field of biomedical sciences.

The initiative, SSA said, intends to develop human capital, strengthen scientific and research capabilities, and inspire future generations in the Kingdom. It seeks to maximize business opportunities in the space sector by supporting space missions through advanced research, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's scientific standing on both regional and global scales.
The SSA, through this initiative, aims to contribute to improving global health by developing advanced biomedical technologies through microgravity research. Its commitment aligns with the Kingdom's efforts to foster a culture of innovation and to develop and enhance national capabilities, thus fulfilling its ambitious aspirations in space research as outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.

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UNCCD Executive Secretary Praises Saudi Efforts to Combat Desertification

The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA
The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA
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UNCCD Executive Secretary Praises Saudi Efforts to Combat Desertification

The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA
The current conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges - SPA

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Ibrahim Thiaw, highlighted that the world is currently facing a critical situation. The increasing frequency and unpredictability of droughts present significant challenges to agricultural and food systems in affected countries. He emphasized that land restoration is one of the most effective tools for tackling these global challenges.
During his speech at the opening plenary session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) Monday in Riyadh, he praised Saudi Arabia for its commitment to combating drought and promoting land restoration through the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI).
The ongoing conference session focuses on enhancing capacities to address global drought challenges.

On its first day, three major international initiatives were announced, including the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Initiative.

This initiative aims to mobilize international action to improve preparedness for drought, transitioning the global response from emergency crisis management and post-crisis relief to a proactive approach centered on early prevention and preparedness before disasters occur.
Additionally, the International Drought Observatory and the Global Drought Atlas were launched, both designed to enhance monitoring and tracking efforts, implement preventive measures, and raise awareness among various stakeholders about drought issues worldwide.
On the eve of the multi-stakeholder talks in Riyadh, the UNCCD released a new report that underscores the escalating global emergency caused by land degradation.

The report highlights the damage caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, which are responsible for 80% of deforestation and account for 70% of freshwater consumption. Furthermore, 23% of greenhouse gas emissions stem from agriculture, forestry, and land use.
According to the latest UNCCD report, 46% of the world's land area is classified as arid. COP16 in Riyadh, taking place from December 2 to 13, is the largest session of the Conference of the Parties to date.

It marks the introduction of a green zone, an innovative concept introduced by the Kingdom to mobilize multilateral action and provide necessary funding for initiatives aimed at rehabilitating degraded lands.