KSA commits to protecting 30% of terrestrial, marine area

KSA commits to protecting 30% of terrestrial, marine area

Under the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), the kingdom has committed to protecting 30% of its terrestrial and marine area and is teaming up with leading global organisations to safeguard and restore the natural ecosystems.

At the SGI Forum 2022, Saudi Arabia announced it will achieve the SGI target of placing 30% of its land and sea under protection by 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s protected areas cover a variety of geographies, including deserts, forests, mountains, and coastal areas. For example the AlUla Protected Areas Network is being established in collaboration with IUCN. By 2023 this will comprise 15,000 sq km of protected areas that will help conserve biodiversity in the region.

Nafud Desert

The Ba’a Foundation is working to preserve 38 million sq m of the al Nafud desert by 2025. This will enable the release of indigenous animals and establish a pilot project for sustainable farming.

Saudi Arabia will help rehabilitate and restore ecosystems by planting 600 million trees by 2030, an increase of over 150 million trees from the initial goal to plant 450 million by 2030.

The National Centre for Wildlife is working to restore and rewild endangered endemic species in 10-15 locations per year. Last year more than 1,200 endangered animals were released into