Environment Week events put Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the limelight

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Updated 04 May 2024
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Environment Week events put Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the limelight

  • Riyadh hosts series of discussions focused on the challenges posted by drought, desertification and land degradation
  • Unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion seen contributing to desertification

RIYADH: The region of Middle East and North Africa is known for its hot, dry climate and scarce water resources. The harsh climatic conditions are a contributing factor to the region’s perennial scourge of drought, desertification and land degradation.

These challenges result in imbalances in different ecosystems, harming especially the agriculture sector and imposing economic hardship on local populations. The growing importance of this regional issue has been a motivating factor for Saudi Arabia to host regular discussions.

This week, Environment Week, has been an opportunity to take stock of the challenges ahead and the progress made so far. Events organized during Environment Week highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in environmental preservation and sustainable development.




Desertification, the process by which fertile land transforms into arid desert, is a significant challenge confronting countries of the Middle East and North Africa. (Shutterstock)

Environmentalists were given a forum to exchange on a range of subjects, with the emphasis naturally on drought, desertification and land degradation. For this occasion, Arab News interviewed Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh.

“It has become extremely difficult for humanity to cope with the frequency of challenges,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is playing a very important role of course. It is not a small economy, therefore the demand for support from Saudi Arabia is also growing.”




Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. AN photo by AN Abdulrahman Alnajim

Thiaw spoke of some of the outcomes of land degradation and drought such as the increase of irregular migration due to land degradation and drought. “You will likely see more competition of land and water, and therefore, more conflict,” he said.

Drought, a major problem in many Middle East countries, has put water resources under stress in tandem with rising temperatures. Both surface water and groundwater reserves are failing owing to declining precipitation and rising evaporation rates.




A picture shows a view of the dried-up bed of the al-Kalal River in the city of Badrah, near the Iran border, on August 28, 2023. Iraq's drought reflects a decline in the level of waterways due to the lack of rain and lower flows from upstream neighboring countries Iran and Turkey. (AFP)

As a result, rivers and lakes are drying up and water shortages have become a serious problem. Moreover, because of multiple environmental reasons, including drought, the region has been experiencing frequent sandstorms.

“There are around 50 countries that are sources of dust storms, but there are 150 countries that are affected by this phenomenon. Therefore, it has become a global issue,” Thiaw said, speaking about the impact of dust storms in one nation on another.

“You may use one country to shine a spotlight on dust storms, but these constitute a global phenomenon that we all need to address. To do that, you need global treaties like the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which at the moment has 197 parties. So, it is a universal body and has a summit, a meeting every two years.




Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Dought Resilience Alliance and the UN Convention to combat Desertification. 

“The next meeting will be held here in Riyadh in December 2024, where the 197 countries will come together at the level of heads of state, at the level of ministers and the level of experts, communities and NGOs and civil society organizations, to discuss just that, namely the consequences of land degradation and drought on the lives and livelihoods of communities.”

Furthermore, experts point out that drought and desertification influence each other. Desertification, the process by which fertile land transforms into arid desert, is another significant challenge confronting countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, deforestation and soil erosion all contribute to the problem.




Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Dought Resilience Alliance and the UN Convention to combat Desertification. 

Consequently, arable land is lost and food production decreases, exacerbating the problem of food insecurity. Desertification also leads to the displacement of communities, according to Thaiaw, as people are forced to migrate in search of more habitable areas.

Speaking to Arab News on the occasion of Environment Week in Riyadh, Elizabeth Mrema, deputy executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, offered her views on the crisis of desertification.




United Nations Environment program’s deputy executive director, Elizabeth Mrema. (Supplied) 

“As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, the country has clearly seen its impact and treated it as a priority for this year. I am saying ‘this year’ because at the UN Environmental Assembly at the end of February, Saudi Arabia took the lead on an initiative to combat degradation. It went through and was adopted, and that was on a global level,” said Mrema.

“Beyond that, this country next month, on June 5, will host World Environment Day. This day is celebrated every year. It is global because it was adopted by the UN General Assembly. This year, it is being hosted by Saudi Arabia.

“This year Saudi Arabia will host the UN Conference to Combat Desertification. It will be hosted here with the theme ‘Our land, our future’ again, Land is the focus.”




Infographic from the Global Drought Snapshot 2023 report of the International Dought Resilience Alliance and the UN Convention to combat Desertification. 

Additionally, the combination of drought and desertification in one area leads to land degradation, further compounding the Middle East's environmental crisis. Soil erosion, salinization, and depletion of soil nutrients are some of the results of land degradation.

As agricultural productivity declines worldwide, farmers face key challenges in securing their livelihoods, in addition to the fact that the environmental problems heighten ecosystem vulnerability, which also leads to biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance.

“Saudi Arabia is showing the world that this is a global issue. The initiatives which have been taken by the government in recent years demonstrate the commitment in dealing with these issues,” said Mrema.




The Saudi Green Initiative Day reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision and dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability (SPA)

“I look at the Saudi Vision 2030, I look at the environmental strategies of 2018, I look at the Saudi Green Initiative. I look at the Middle East Green Initiative with a commitment to reach a regional level to plant 50 billion trees, 10 of which Saudi Arabia has committed to plant in this country. And not in committed in words, but put an institution to lead the road, to make sure that this is happening.”

Addressing the three challenges of drought, desertification and land degradation in the Middle East requires a multifaceted approach. Thiaw and Mrema were of the view that governments, international organizations and local communities need to work together to implement sustainable water management strategies, promote efficient irrigation technologies and invest in renewable energy sources.

Additionally, they said, reforestation efforts and the protection of natural habitats can help reduce desertification and land degradation.

Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable land use practices and supporting affected communities is an important step toward long-term solutions for both the Middle East and North Africa region and the world.

To sum up, countries of the Middle East and North Africa are suffering from effects of intensifying drought, desertification and land degradation. Urgent action is required to reverse this trend and ensure regional environmental sustainability.

By adopting sustainable methods, investing in water management, and promoting conservation actions, communities of the region will be able to reduce the severity of these challenges and assure themselves of a more resilient future.
 


Saudi, Pakistani interior ministers discuss security, anti-drug efforts in Riyadh

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Saudi, Pakistani interior ministers discuss security, anti-drug efforts in Riyadh

  • Prince Abdulaziz and Mohsin Naqvi review joint measures against narcotics, agree on boosting cooperation
  • Naqvi visited various sections of the directorate, where Saudi officials briefed him on the Kingdom’s narcotics control efforts

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif recently met Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi in Riyadh to discuss security cooperation and joint measures for combating narcotics.

Prince Abdulaziz welcomed the Pakistani minister and his accompanying delegation to Saudi Arabia, highlighting that the meeting was held under the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to strengthen security cooperation in light of the distinguished relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, discussions centered on enhancing security cooperation, particularly the fight against drug trafficking. The two sides also addressed various issues of mutual interest.

“The ministers discussed security cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” the Pakistani Interior Ministry said in a statement.

“Prince Abdulaziz and Mohsin Naqvi also reviewed measures to combat drug smuggling and other matters of mutual interest. The meeting included discussions on advancing cooperation in narcotics control,” the statement added.

Naqvi’s meeting with the Saudi interior minister followed a meeting on Monday with Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Qarni, head of the Kingdom’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control.

During their meeting, the two officials discussed enhancing mutual cooperation in narcotics control, according to the Pakistani Interior Ministry.

“Both sides agreed on more effective measures under bilateral assistance for narcotics control,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Saudi side offered to assist Pakistan by providing the latest equipment for drug detection.”

Naqvi visited various sections of the directorate, where Saudi officials briefed him on the Kingdom’s narcotics control efforts.

“No country can tackle the menace of drugs alone. This has become a shared challenge for the nations of the world,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by his ministry. “Pakistan will continue to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in anti-narcotics efforts.”

On Sunday, the Pakistani minister also met the Kingdom’s director of Public Security, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, and inspected various departments of the state-of-the-art directorate and the Safe City Center.

“During the meeting, it was agreed to activate the joint task force (on public security) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia soon,” the Pakistani Interior Ministry said, with Naqvi adding that he was glad to see “excellent” public security mechanisms in Saudi Arabia and that both sides could benefit from each other’s experiences in police training.


Djibouti envoy, Saudi interior minister discuss security ties

Updated 22 min 52 sec ago
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Djibouti envoy, Saudi interior minister discuss security ties

  • Said Bamakhrama held discussions with Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif
  • Nations have agreed to launch a maritime trade initiative

RIYADH: Senior officials from Djibouti and Saudi Arabia have held talks to strengthen security ties between the two countries. 

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Djibouti in Riyadh Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama had discussions here recently with Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif. 

Bamakhrama told Arab News that they discussed several issues of common interest including “security cooperation and ways to strengthen them between the relevant sectors.” 

He said the two nations hold discussions annually under a Joint Security Committee. The third meeting of the body was in Jeddah in September last year, and it will meet in Djibouti next February. 

In August this year, the two nations agreed to launch a maritime trade initiative. This includes new shipping lines to boost connectivity with East African markets, which serve a consumer base of around 500 million people.


KSrelief provides urgent medical aid for Gaza child

Updated 17 December 2024
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KSrelief provides urgent medical aid for Gaza child

RIYADH: In response to a plea for help, Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has ensured the treatment of a critically ill Palestinian child from Gaza, Ahmad Sabra. 

KSrelief arranged for Sabra’s treatment at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Jordan, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The child’s family has expressed deep gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its swift response, which saved the youngster’s life and inspired hope among others from Gaza also seeking help, the SPA reported. 

KSrelief has also initiated a project to treat cancer patients from Gaza at the King Hussein Cancer Center as a part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people amid the ongoing crisis.

The Kingdom’s aid agency has also continued its humanitarian efforts in Mauritania, Yemen and Turkiye, the SPA reported.

In Mauritania’s capital Nouakchott, KSrelief has been carrying out a 10-day voluntary medical project for pediatric cardiac surgery and catheterization which ends on Dec. 22. 

A team of 28 specialists performed 10 open-heart surgeries and five catheterizations since the campaign began. 

In another initiative, eight specialists are conducting a voluntary project for adult urology surgeries, completing 25 out of a planned 70 procedures. 

In Yemen’s Socotra governorate, KSrelief has launched a volunteer project for home restoration and rehabilitation.

Sixteen volunteers are working to restore and rehabilitate homes for five vulnerable families, with assessments conducted through on-site visits.

In Turkiye, KSrelief recently launched a neurosurgery medical project. Since its inception, 19 volunteers have examined 170 individuals, providing critical care for those in need.


Chinese delegation visits Riyadh falconry festival 

Updated 17 December 2024
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Chinese delegation visits Riyadh falconry festival 

RIYADH: A Chinese delegation visited the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club.

The festival, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Dec. 19, with prizes exceeding SR36 million ($9.6 million) for Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions.

The delegation, comprising executives and officials from Chinese companies, toured the festival, met falconers, and learned about the types and categories of falcons, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Delegates watched international competitions, including falcons racing over 400 meters, and learned about the judging process, speed measurement devices, and falcon movements.

The visitors also toured pavilions of participating entities, expressing admiration for the event and its organization, and thanked the Saudi Falconry Club for its hospitality.

The festival, a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the largest gathering of falcons, brings together top falconers worldwide to celebrate falconry heritage, foster competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.


Saudi cabinet hails Kingdom hosting of World Cup 2034, discusses support for Syria and Palestine

Updated 17 December 2024
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Saudi cabinet hails Kingdom hosting of World Cup 2034, discusses support for Syria and Palestine

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired Tuesday's Cabinet meeting in Riyadh, where the Kingdom’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a key topic of discussion.

The Cabinet expressed excitement over this achievement, viewing it as a significant milestone for Saudi sports, marking the beginning of a new chapter that will see the Kingdom organizing an exceptional edition of this prestigious global event. This opportunity is seen as a way to further elevate Saudi Arabia’s status on the world stage.

The Cabinet also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong support for the Syrian people, emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to efforts aimed at ensuring Syria’s security and stability. Additionally, the Cabinet condemned the Israeli occupation forces’ attacks on Syrian territory, stressing the need for international adherence to the principles of international law.

Regarding Palestine, the Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s steadfast position in supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Kingdom called for global participation in an upcoming high-level international conference, scheduled to be held in New York City in June, aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue through peaceful means and implementing the two-state solution.

The Cabinet also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to foster international cooperation on a global scale. This included the Kingdom's leadership in hosting key events such as the "One Water" Summit, focused on water sustainability, and its significant contributions to combating land degradation and desertification through initiatives like COP 16. These efforts align with the Kingdom's broader goal of addressing global challenges and advancing collective development.