SDG 15 in Saudi Arabia: Life on Land
Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests, combating desertification, halting land degradation, and conserving biodiversity. Saudi Arabia, with its predominantly arid and desert landscape, faces unique challenges in achieving this goal. However, the government has taken significant measures to conserve its land-based ecosystems, promote reforestation, and address environmental degradation.
Saudi Arabia’s Approach to SDG 15
Saudi Green Initiative:
Launched as part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Green Initiative is a landmark project aimed at improving the Kingdom’s land ecosystems. The initiative includes ambitious goals such as planting 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land. This effort aims to combat desertification, reduce sandstorms, and improve the overall health of ecosystems.
Desertification Combat Programs:
Desertification is a major challenge in Saudi Arabia due to the country's arid climate and fragile soils. The government has implemented several programs to mitigate the impact of desertification, such as the National Center for Vegetation Cover which focuses on restoring and protecting forests, grasslands, and other terrestrial ecosystems. Reforestation and afforestation projects are also integral to reversing land degradation.
Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation:
Saudi Arabia has established several protected areas to safeguard its biodiversity and prevent habitat loss. These include national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas that protect native species such as the Arabian Oryx and gazelle. The National Center for Wildlife oversees these efforts, focusing on the restoration of endangered species and the conservation of natural habitats.
Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use:
To address the challenges of food security and sustainable land use, Saudi Arabia is promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize water use and improve soil health. Innovations such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and the efficient use of water in agriculture are crucial to minimizing the environmental impact on the land.
Conservation of Forests and Vegetation:
The government has launched initiatives to protect the country's limited forest cover, primarily located in the southwest region. Efforts include controlling illegal logging, promoting sustainable forest management, and reforesting degraded areas to improve biodiversity and protect soil and water resources.
National Wildlife Strategy:
Saudi Arabia's National Wildlife Strategy focuses on conserving and restoring wildlife habitats and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial resources. This includes efforts to protect endangered species and promote eco-tourism in wildlife reserves, enhancing the public's connection to natural habitats and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Majmaah University and SDG 15
Majmaah University plays a supportive role in advancing SDG 15 through research, education, and community initiatives focused on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable land management.
Research on Desert Ecosystems and Biodiversity:
Given its location in a desert environment, Majmaah University conducts research focused on the sustainable management of desert ecosystems. Studies explore topics such as combating desertification, protecting biodiversity, and rehabilitating degraded land. Research on native species and vegetation, as well as land restoration techniques, contributes to broader conservation efforts.
Environmental Education and Awareness:
The university offers educational programs that promote awareness of environmental conservation and land management. Students are educated on the importance of protecting biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and combating desertification, equipping them with the knowledge to contribute to the preservation of Saudi Arabia’s land ecosystems.
Community Engagement in Conservation:
Majmaah University is involved in community outreach programs that promote sustainable land use practices and biodiversity conservation. These initiatives include tree planting campaigns, awareness workshops, and partnerships with local organizations to rehabilitate degraded areas and combat desertification.
Partnerships and Collaborations:
The university collaborates with national environmental organizations and government bodies to support research and initiatives aligned with SDG 15. Through partnerships with entities such as the National Center for Vegetation Cover and the National Center for Wildlife, Majmaah University contributes to the Kingdom’s broader efforts to protect its natural landscapes and promote sustainable development.
Sustainable Campus Initiatives:
On campus, Majmaah University implements sustainable practices such as water conservation, recycling, and green space management. These initiatives are part of the university’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to the broader goals of environmental conservation and land sustainability.
SDG 15 is vital for Saudi Arabia as it addresses the challenges of desertification, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Through initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and the protection of biodiversity, the Saudi government is actively working to conserve terrestrial ecosystems and ensure sustainable land management.
Majmaah University supports these efforts through research on desert ecosystems, environmental education, and community engagement in conservation. By focusing on sustainable land use practices and promoting biodiversity, the university contributes to achieving SDG 15 and protecting Saudi Arabia's natural heritage for future generations.
Initiative to Establish National Gardens and Parks
Strategic Goals:
- Instilling national principles and values and enhancing national belonging
- Promoting sports activities within the community
- Improving the urban landscape in Saudi cities
- Developing and diversifying recreational opportunities to meet the needs of residents
- Growing Saudi contributions to the arts and culture
- Developing the tourism sector
- Supporting and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
- Empowering non-profit organizations to achieve a deeper impact
The role of gardens in recreation and parks is crucial in the national strategy to realize Vision 2030. It is essential to prioritize and give proper attention to this vital facility.
Benefits:
Social: Promoting sports activities within the community
Social: Instilling national principles and values and enhancing national belonging
Social: Improving the urban landscape in Saudi cities
Social: Developing and diversifying recreational opportunities to meet the needs of residents
Economic: Developing the tourism sector
Economic: Supporting and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
Social: Empowering non-profit organizations to achieve a deeper impact
Administration activates World Environment Day
The General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment has activated the World Environment Day, by implementing an awareness campaign and distributing publications to university students, defining the necessity of preserving the environment, the role of society in preserving it, and spreading the basics concerned with environmental sustainability.
University Cities Environment Improvement and Sustainability Initiative 2023
The General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment at Al-Majma'ah University aims to contribute to the university's efforts in meeting developmental goals in the field of the environment. This is achieved by developing environmental care programs within the university and implementing activities derived from these programs, with the objective of contributing to the targets of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
The administration also focuses on fostering volunteer work in the environmental field and analyzing environmental needs within the university campus based on its geographic scope.
Definition of the Initiative:
To unify efforts in caring for environmental health and improving the quality of life in the university's external environment, while contributing to enhancing the culture of volunteering in the field of the environment to achieve the university's vision, objectives, and developmental goals.
Vision:
To strengthen the university's programs for environmental care.
Message:
To have the General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment collaborate with partners to care for the environment, promote environmental awareness, and improve the urban landscape of the university environment.
Goals:
- To contribute to the university's efforts in supporting environmental preservation initiatives.
- To establish institutional practices in managing environmental care programs.
- To promote a culture of volunteerism in the field of the environment.
The administration concludes the activities of the Environment Week for the year 2023 AD
The General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment concluded the activities of the Environment Week for the year 2023 under the slogan (Your Environment Knows You), as the first activities were launched with a campaign to clean the university environment in cooperation with the Deanship of Student Affairs. The administration also implemented an awareness corner for male and female students, through which the environmental awareness initiative was activated, the importance of caring for the environment, and the distribution of awareness bags and souvenirs to visitors to the corner. Awareness campaigns were launched for university members, in cooperation with the Deanship of Information Technology and the university colleges by publishing them on electronic communication platforms and digital screens.
His Excellency the Director General of the Administration, Mr. Sami bin Saleh Al-Mutairi, also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the President of the University, Prof. Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al-Muzal, and to His Excellency Prof. Dr. Musallam bin Muhammad Al-Dosari for their support and follow-up of what is in care, interest and development of the university environment, wishing everyone continued success.
VICE-RECTOR WELCOMES REPRESENTATIVES OF ASSOCIATIONS INTERESTED IN ENVIRONMENT
سعادة وكيل الجامعة يستقبل مُمثلي الجمعيات المهتمة بالبيئة
Prof. Musallam Al-Dosari, vice-rector, welcomed in his office representatives of associations interested in environment that are located within the university’s geographical area.
This act is part of the university’s support to promote the culture of protecting and environment.
Issues of mutual cooperation between the university and these associations were addressed to improve, develop, sustain and protect environmental life.
The vice-rector honored those representatives for their remarkable efforts to support the university during the environment week, 2021.
The Saudi Cifal Center conducts 11th meeting under the theme: Employing the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in Empowering the Saudi Green Initiative
https://www.mu.edu.sa/en/news/centers-and-institutes/cifal-center/215681
The Saudi Cifal Center conducted the eleventh meeting under the theme: Employing the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in Empowering the Saudi Green Initiative, via video conference, and in the presence of a group of academics and advocates.
The meeting was moderated by Mr. Saad Al-Harbi (Assistant Director of Educational Affairs at MU and an expert in the applications of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030), who pointed out that this meeting is within the framework of the Cifal Center's efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 with a particular focus on environment and sustainable development.
Dr. Majid Aba Hussain - Professor of Education and Expert in the Applications of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 - gave a presentation on the concept and importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting that the importance of the goals in creating decent job opportunities. He also talked about promoting sustainable agriculture as a strategy to address poverty and hunger, stressing that commitment to these goals solve environmental, climatic, economic, and social problems.
Prince Moataz Al Saud - Expert in Applications of Sustainable Development Goals 2030, Languages and Translation Expert - discussed the role of the Saudi Green Initiative in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. His Highness explained the Kingdom's ambitious plan to achieve zero neutrality in 2060 by applying the circular carbon economy approach, and launching 80 qualitative initiatives worth 700 billion riyals to improve the environment and quality of life. Prince Moataz also said that the Kingdom is ready to host the United Nations International Conference on Environment and Development (COP).
The third topic was addressed by Dr. Jawaher Al-Uhaidab and addressed the role of the Saudi Green Initiative in achieving global climate goals, and reviewed the Kingdom's efforts to combat the climate crisis through renewable energy projects and carbon emissions reduction. She also discussed the contribution of the Royal Reserves in supporting the Kingdom's efforts in sustainability and environmental conservation, highlighting the increase in natural reserves in the Kingdom from 4% to more than 16% during the past four years.
Cifal Center holds a workshop entitled: (The role of awareness in achieving environmental sustainability)
https://www.mu.edu.sa/ar/news/centers-and-institutes/cifal-center/204006
The Cifal Center at the university held a workshop entitled: (The Role of Awareness in Achieving Environmental Sustainability), in cooperation with the Environmental Awareness Initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Water. The workshop aimed to shed light on the different roles that different parties can play in achieving environmental sustainability by raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and reducing the negative effects of human activities on it.
The workshop was attended by a number of experts and specialists in the field of environment and sustainable development. Many important topics related to raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and achieving environmental sustainability were discussed. The topics discussed also included the importance of education and awareness in achieving environmental sustainability, the role of sustainability system components such as public and private institutions and civil society in achieving common goals, and the challenges facing these efforts and how to overcome them.
Director of Cifal Center , Dr. Ayman Al-Barakati, stated that the workshop came within the framework of Cifal Center’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of sustainability, including the environment, and to educate the public about the importance of protecting the environment, noting that the center works to provide many training and awareness programs in sustainable development.
Environment Week event under the slogan "Our Environment for Us and Our Generations"
https://www.mu.edu.sa/ar/news/colleges/college-of-science-and-human-studies-at-hotat-sudair/180076
Environment Week event under the slogan "Our Environment for Us and Our Generations"
The Student Activities Unit launched the Environment Week event under the slogan “Our Environment for Us and for Our Generations” on Sunday 8/15/1442 AH. It lasted for a full week, and included awareness messages aimed at enhancing interest in protecting the environment and natural resources, achieving the highest levels of preservation, and instilling environmental awareness in our students throughout generations .
CIFAL CONDUCTS A WORKSHOP ON AWARENESS ROLE IN ACHIEVING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
https://www.mu.edu.sa/en/news/general/201336
The CIFAL Center at MU conducted a workshop titled "The Role of Awareness in Achieving Environmental Sustainability" in cooperation with the Environmental Awareness Initiative under the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Water.
The workshop aimed to shed light on the various roles that different entities can play in achieving environmental sustainability by raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and minimizing the negative impacts.
A group of experts and specialists in the field of environment and sustainable development joined the workshop which addressed many important topics related to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and achieving environmental sustainability, the importance of education and awareness in achieving environmental sustainability, the role of public and private institutions and civil society in achieving these goals, and the challenges and how to overcome them.
Dr. Ayman Al-Barkati, the director of CIFAL Center, pointed out that the workshop is part of the center's contributions to raising public awareness about sustainability, highlighting that other programs are conducted by the Center on sustainable development.
Participation of the Vice Presidency for Female Student Affairs in the initiative (afforestation of the university city)
https://www.mu.edu.sa/ar/news/departments/office-of-the-vice-rector-female-student-affairs/172131
Under the patronage of His Excellency the President of Majmaah University, Dr. Khalid bin Saad Al-Muqrin, for the campaign (Afforestation of the University City) under the name (Green University City), the Vice President for Female Student Affairs, Her Excellency Dr. Jawaher bint Abdul Rahman Al-Omar, and the supervisor of her office, Her Excellency Dr. Asma bint Muhammad Al-Qutaim, and a number of employees of the Vice Presidency and employees of the General Administration of Public Relations and University Media, and a number of female students volunteering in afforestation of the university city within the afforestation campaign initiative on Sunday, 8/3/1442 AH, and thanked Her Excellency for the efforts made in supporting National transformation initiatives and the promotion of sustainable development goals in the protection of the environment and natural resources.
Under the patronage and honor of His Excellency the Rector of Majmaah University and the organization of the Deanship of Student Affairs for the initiative (My University is Green)
Accompanied by students of volunteer work on Wednesday, 24/6/1441 AH,
Her Excellency the Vice President for Female Student Affairs, Dr. Jawaher bint Abdulrahman Al-Omar, the initiative in the female sections.
UQU Vice President Sponsors the Launch of Environment Week Activities
Under the patronage and honor of the Vice President of the University, Prof. Muslim bin Muhammad Al-Dosari, the activities of the University's Environment Week for the year 1440 AH were launched under the slogan (We protect our environment for the well-being of our society), in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Branch in Majmaah Governorate, Mr. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Manna, and in the presence of a number of heads of associations interested in the environment from the Green Majmaah Association, the President of the Green Sudair Association, and the President of the Barari Association, where the activities began with planting a wild seedling in the wild park located in the university city, Which comes within one of the university's initiatives in improving the environment on campus, after that, His Excellency the Vice President was briefed on the initiative of the General Administration of Facilities and Housing, which is the recycling of damaged heaters, which are used to irrigate trees with a distillation system for irrigation. His Excellency the Vice President was also briefed on the program of the General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment in coordination with a number of university agencies to carry out the main axes of the Environment Week by cleaning the campus, paying attention to the environment and protecting it from environmental pollution, and publishing awareness phrases in all university facilities, in order to cultivate a culture of interest in the environment, and His Excellency the Vice President directed the use of environmental specialists in holding awareness lectures and workshops for university students and students of university pioneers schools. And train them to plant seedlings during the activities of the Environment Week. For his part, His Excellency the Vice President stated that such events come within the framework of the university's responsibilities towards the environment, spreading the culture of preserving it in all its aspects, and reducing environmental pollution. His Excellency also mentioned that the university's participation in the Environment Week comes in conjunction with activating the role of partnership between the university and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to deliver the awareness message to all segments of society to reach a clean environment. At the end of his statement, His Excellency the Vice President of the University expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Branch in Majmaah Governorate and all participants and those interested in the environment, and also thanked the General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment, the General Administration of Facilities and Housing, the General Administration of Operation and Maintenance, and the Social Responsibility Observatory for their participation in activating the university's role in such events.
Under the patronage of His Excellency the Vice-Rector, the administration holds the activities of the Environment Week for the year 1443 AH
Under the patronage of His Excellency the University Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Musallam bin Muhammad Al-Dosari, the General Administration of Occupational Health and Environment is holding the Environment Week activities for the year 1443 AH under the slogan: Our Environment is Our Responsibility, starting from Sunday 17/08/1443 AH.
By holding an awareness exhibition and a number of accompanying events during the Environment Week, with the participation of a number of entities, associations and associations specialized in the environment, including: the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Office in Al Majmaah Governorate, King Khalid Hospital in Al Majmaah Governorate, Sudair Green Association, Friends of the Environment Association in Zulfi, Al Barari Association for the Conservation of the Environment and Wildlife, Al Majmaah Green Association, Harmah Green Association, and the National Center for Vegetation Cover.
During the inauguration of the exhibition, His Excellency presented shields to the entities participating in activating this occasion. The Director General of Occupational Health and Environment, Mr. Sami bin Saleh Al Mutairi, expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency for his generous patronage, and he also thanked the entities participating in activating this occasion and spreading the culture of caring for the environment and preserving it.
L