SAN JOSE — Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to international cooperation on ocean protection and marine resource conservation during the High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change, held in San Jose on June 7–8, 2024. In his address, Al-Jubeir underscored that Saudi Arabia’s domestic initiatives and Saudi Vision 2030 are fully aligned with its global commitments to safeguarding biodiversity, as exemplified by the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
Context and Background
The High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change convened global leaders, environmental experts, and policymakers to accelerate efforts to conserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable ocean use. Saudi Arabia’s participation highlights its proactive role in addressing critical environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom has elevated environmental sustainability to a strategic priority, integrating it into its national transformation agenda.
Key Details
Minister Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s multifaceted contributions to marine conservation. He emphasized the Kingdom’s active involvement in international negotiations that led to a legally binding agreement for the sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, as well as discussions toward a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution affecting the marine environment. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role during its 2020 G20 presidency, when it launched the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) to bolster global efforts to protect coral reefs. Furthermore, he pointed to the establishment of the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS), a dedicated entity to preserve the Red Sea’s unique marine and coastal ecosystems.
“The Kingdom actively contributes to regional efforts to protect and preserve the marine environment in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It is also a member of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,” Al-Jubeir stated, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s collaborative approach to regional environmental stewardship.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s engagement in global ocean action carries significant implications for international environmental governance. By aligning its national policies with global frameworks, the Kingdom not only advances its own sustainability goals but also contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect marine biodiversity. Its participation in negotiations on marine biodiversity and plastic pollution demonstrates a commitment to shaping equitable and effective international environmental policies. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s regional initiatives, such as SHAMS and its membership in regional organizations, foster cooperation among Red Sea and Arabian Gulf states, promoting stability and shared prosperity through environmental stewardship.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s ocean conservation efforts are a cornerstone of Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life, and ensure environmental sustainability. The Saudi Green Initiative, a key component of Vision 2030, targets the protection of 30% of the Kingdom’s land and sea by 2030, reflecting a long-term commitment to ecological balance. Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is not only safeguarding its natural heritage but also positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable development, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
20 Questions
Q1. What event did Minister Al-Jubeir attend in San Jose?
A1. He attended the High Level Event on Ocean Action: Immersed in Change, held on June 7–8, 2024, in San Jose, Costa Rica. The event brought together global leaders to address ocean conservation challenges.
Q2. What is the Saudi Green Initiative’s target for marine protection?
A2. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to protect 30% of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. This target aligns with global biodiversity goals and reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Q3. How does Saudi Vision 2030 align with ocean protection?
A3. Vision 2030 prioritizes environmental sustainability, including marine conservation. It supports initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and international agreements to protect oceans, ensuring a balanced ecosystem for future generations.
Q4. What international agreement did Saudi Arabia participate in regarding marine biodiversity?
A4. Saudi Arabia took part in negotiations that resulted in a legally binding agreement for the sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. This agreement aims to conserve and sustainably use marine resources in international waters.
Q5. What is CORDAP and why was it launched?
A5. The Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) was launched by Saudi Arabia during its 2020 G20 presidency. It aims to accelerate global research and development to protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
Q6. What is SHAMS and what does it do?
A6. SHAMS is the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea. It is dedicated to preserving the Red Sea’s marine and coastal ecosystems, focusing on coral reefs and turtles.
Q7. Which regional organizations is Saudi Arabia a member of for marine protection?
A7. Saudi Arabia is a member of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment.
Q8. What did Al-Jubeir say about plastic pollution?
A8. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s participation in negotiations aimed at establishing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution affecting the marine environment, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to combating marine pollution.
Q9. How does Saudi Arabia contribute to protecting the Red Sea?
A9. Saudi Arabia actively contributes to regional efforts to protect the Red Sea through initiatives like SHAMS and participation in regional organizations. These efforts focus on conserving marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable use.
Q10. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency for marine conservation?
A10. During its 2020 G20 presidency, Saudi Arabia launched CORDAP, a platform to accelerate coral reef research and development. This initiative underscored the Kingdom’s leadership in global marine conservation efforts.
Q11. How does Saudi Arabia’s marine conservation align with its international commitments?
A11. Saudi Arabia’s marine conservation efforts align with international commitments to protect global biodiversity, as stated by Al-Jubeir. The Kingdom actively participates in international negotiations and agreements to promote sustainable ocean use.
Q12. What are the key goals of the High Level Event on Ocean Action?
A12. The event aims to accelerate global efforts to conserve marine ecosystems, promote sustainable ocean use, and address challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. It fosters international cooperation and actionable commitments.
Q13. How does Saudi Arabia balance economic development with marine protection?
A13. Saudi Arabia integrates marine protection into its economic diversification plans under Vision 2030. The Saudi Green Initiative and other programs ensure that development activities are sustainable and do not harm marine ecosystems.
Q14. What role does the Red Sea play in Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy?
A14. The Red Sea is central to Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy due to its unique biodiversity. Initiatives like SHAMS and regional cooperation aim to preserve its marine and coastal ecosystems for future generations.
Q15. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?
A15. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national program under Vision 2030 that aims to combat climate change, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development. It includes targets for marine and terrestrial protection.
Q16. How does Saudi Arabia cooperate with other countries on ocean protection?
A16. Saudi Arabia cooperates through international negotiations, regional organizations, and global platforms. It participates in agreements on marine biodiversity and plastic pollution, sharing expertise and resources.
Q17. What are the implications of Saudi Arabia’s ocean conservation for global climate goals?
A17. Saudi Arabia’s ocean conservation supports global climate goals by protecting carbon-absorbing marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, and promoting biodiversity. This contributes to international efforts to mitigate climate change.
Q18. How does Saudi Arabia’s membership in regional organizations benefit marine conservation?
A18. Membership in regional organizations facilitates coordinated efforts to protect shared marine environments, such as the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. It enhances collaboration on pollution control, biodiversity, and sustainable use.
Q19. What future actions is Saudi Arabia planning for marine conservation?
A19. Saudi Arabia will continue to implement the Saudi Green Initiative, support international agreements, and expand regional cooperation. It aims to achieve its 30% protection target by 2030 and promote sustainable ocean practices.
Q20. How can other nations collaborate with Saudi Arabia on ocean action?
A20. Other nations can collaborate through international forums, joint research initiatives, and regional organizations. Saudi Arabia welcomes partnerships to advance marine conservation and sustainable development globally.
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