Saudi Arabia commended the efforts of the G20 to achieve sustainable environmental solutions to address land degradation which significantly impacts biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, and the welfare of billions of people worldwide.
This came during a remark speech by Deputy Minister for Environment Dr. Osama Faqeeha at the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting in India.
Dr. Faqeeha said that the KSA recognizes the immense importance of conserving ocean ecosystems and has taken several measures. As part of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), Saudi Arabia targets reaching 30% marine protected areas by 2030 and issued a sustainability strategy for the Red Sea targeting 15 blue economy sectors. We also worked with regional countries, PERSIGA and IMO to declare the Red Sea as a special marine zone entering into effect in January 2025.
Dr. Faqeeha mentioned that Saudi Arabia appreciates G20 support of the Global Coral Reef R&D Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), launched under the Saudi G20 Presidency which will enhance multilateral efforts to conserve and restore coral reefs.
"On resource efficiency and circular economy Saudi Arabia has adopted a circular carbon economy strategy, issued a new waste management law based on circular economy principles, and adopted several strategies to conserve natural resources such as the national water strategy and food security strategy which targets reducing food loss and waste by 50%." Dr. Faqeeha added.
Dr. Faqeeha remarked that Saudi Arabia welcomes the efforts of the G20 group to improve integrated water management, in line with the G20 Water Platform adopted during the Saudi G20 Presidency. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral efforts to address land degradation which significantly impacts biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, and the welfare of billions of people worldwide.
During the concluding session, ECSWG Ministerial Communique, Dr. Faqeeha confirmed the importance of engaging actively in discussions to amplify commitments, strengthen resolutions, and take decisive actions to steer us toward a sustainable future.
"We welcome the outcomes and deliverables of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group. In this regard, we would like to mention the strong alignment between the aspirations outlined in this Communique and Saudi Arabia's priorities," Dr. Faqeeha said.