Saudi Arabia Launches Biodiversity Workshop with UNEP

The National Center for Wildlife (NCW), Saudi Arabia’s designated national representative for the Convention on Biological Diversity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has commenced the Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework (CNBF) workshop in Riyadh on July 9–10, 2024. The two-day event marks a significant step in shaping the Kingdom’s National Biodiversity Framework, aligning conservation efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental sustainability under Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The workshop builds on Saudi Arabia’s active participation in global biodiversity governance. As the national representative for the Convention on Biological Diversity, the NCW is leading the development of the CNBF through a participatory approach that engages stakeholders across the Kingdom. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and Saudi Arabia is working to translate these global goals into actionable national strategies. This initiative is part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees, restore 40 million hectares of land, and protect 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

Key Details

Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, emphasized the workshop’s collaborative nature: “This workshop aims to forge a unified national model through collaborative efforts among relevant stakeholders to harmonize national objectives with global framework goals. This effort strengthens the Kingdom’s commitments to the Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, where national goals were set and strategies built to implement the framework.” He added, “Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, this workshop signifies our national commitment to restoring ecological balance and achieving sustainable development, paving the way for a prosperous future.”

During the first day, participants from NCW, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and UNEP presented reports on strategies, plans, initiatives, and actions implemented under the Montreal Protocol on Biodiversity framework. They also reviewed contributions to national goals aligned with the framework and Saudi Vision 2030. The workshop aims to establish a knowledge base, foster national consensus on defining goals, and implement mechanisms to support the Kunming-Montreal targets. It also seeks to define roles and responsibilities, enhance transparency in monitoring progress, and establish a national network of experts and decision-makers to ensure sustainable implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the national level.

Implications and Impact

This workshop underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in environmental conservation and its commitment to international agreements. By aligning national biodiversity strategies with global frameworks, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a responsible global actor in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. The outcomes of the CNBF will not only benefit Saudi Arabia’s ecosystems but also contribute to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to life on land and below water. Furthermore, the collaboration with UNEP highlights the importance of international partnerships in tackling environmental challenges, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework workshop is a direct reflection of Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable development. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom is committed to restoring ecological balance, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting natural habitats. This workshop advances these goals by creating a unified national strategy for biodiversity conservation, ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s rich natural heritage is preserved for future generations. As the Kingdom continues to lead in global environmental initiatives, it reinforces its role as a proactive and responsible member of the international community, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework workshop?

A1. The Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework (CNBF) workshop is a two-day event in Riyadh organized by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed at shaping Saudi Arabia’s national biodiversity strategy.

Q2. When and where did the workshop take place?

A2. The workshop took place on July 9–10, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It brought together stakeholders from NCW, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and UNEP to discuss and develop the national biodiversity framework.

Q3. Who organized the workshop?

A3. The workshop was organized by the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), Saudi Arabia’s designated national representative for the Convention on Biological Diversity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Q4. What is the main goal of the workshop?

A4. The main goal is to develop the Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework (CNBF) to align Saudi Arabia’s biodiversity conservation efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and advance environmental sustainability in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Q5. What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

A5. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a global agreement adopted in 2022 at the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. It sets ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore ecosystems.

Q6. How does the workshop relate to Saudi Vision 2030?

A6. The workshop supports Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable development and environmental protection. It aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative’s goals to restore ecological balance, plant billions of trees, and protect natural habitats, contributing to a diversified and sustainable economy.

Q7. What did Dr. Mohammed Qurban say about the workshop?

A7. Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO of NCW, stated that the workshop aims to forge a unified national model through collaboration to harmonize national objectives with global framework goals, strengthening the Kingdom’s commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity and supporting Saudi Vision 2030.

Q8. What activities took place on the first day of the workshop?

A8. On the first day, participants from NCW, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and UNEP presented reports on strategies, plans, initiatives, and actions implemented under the Montreal Protocol on Biodiversity framework, and reviewed contributions to national goals.

Q9. What is the role of the National Center for Wildlife?

A9. The National Center for Wildlife (NCW) is Saudi Arabia’s designated national representative for the Convention on Biological Diversity. It leads national efforts to conserve wildlife and biodiversity, and is spearheading the development of the Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework.

Q10. How does the workshop involve stakeholders?

A10. The workshop uses a multidisciplinary participatory approach, involving all relevant stakeholders in the Kingdom, including government agencies, experts, and decision-makers. This ensures a comprehensive and inclusive process for developing the national biodiversity framework.

Q11. What is the expected outcome of the workshop?

A11. The expected outcome is the initiation of the Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework (CNBF), which will define national goals, roles, and responsibilities, and establish a network of experts to ensure sustainable implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the national level.

Q12. How does the workshop contribute to global biodiversity goals?

A12. By aligning Saudi Arabia’s national biodiversity framework with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the workshop contributes to global efforts to halt biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to life on land and below water.

Q13. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A13. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national program under Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to combat climate change, improve quality of life, and protect the environment. It includes goals to plant 10 billion trees, restore 40 million hectares of land, and protect 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

Q14. How does biodiversity conservation benefit Saudi Arabia?

A14. Biodiversity conservation helps protect Saudi Arabia’s natural ecosystems, which are vital for food security, water resources, and climate resilience. It also supports sustainable development, tourism, and the well-being of current and future generations, aligning with Vision 2030’s quality of life goals.

Q15. What is the Montreal Protocol on Biodiversity?

A15. The Montreal Protocol on Biodiversity refers to the framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity. It is a global treaty aimed at conserving biological diversity, promoting sustainable use of its components, and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

Q16. What are the key targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

A16. Key targets include protecting at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and mobilizing financial resources for biodiversity conservation. These targets aim to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Q17. How will the workshop enhance transparency in monitoring progress?

A17. The workshop aims to establish mechanisms for transparent monitoring and reporting of progress at all levels. This includes defining indicators, sharing data, and creating a national network of experts to ensure accountability and effective implementation of the framework.

Q18. What is the significance of UNEP’s involvement?

A18. UNEP’s involvement brings international expertise and legitimacy to the workshop. It facilitates knowledge exchange, ensures alignment with global standards, and strengthens Saudi Arabia’s capacity to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity effectively.

Q19. How does the workshop support Saudi Arabia’s leadership in environmental diplomacy?

A19. By hosting this workshop and actively engaging with UNEP and the global community, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to international environmental agreements. It reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a proactive leader in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development on the world stage.

Q20. What are the next steps after the workshop?

A20. Following the workshop, NCW will continue developing the Comprehensive National Biodiversity Framework, including drafting national strategies, implementing action plans, and establishing a network of experts. Progress will be monitored to ensure alignment with global goals and Vision 2030.

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