The fourth edition of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum commenced in Riyadh on December 3, 2024, with the announcement of five new initiatives valued at $60 million (SAR225 million), reinforcing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global climate action. Held concurrently with the sixteenth session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), the forum operates under the theme “Action is in our Nature” and showcases the progress of 86 SGI initiatives that have attracted total investment exceeding $188 billion (SAR705 billion).
Context and Background
The Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021, serves as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s strategy to address climate change, combat desertification, and protect natural ecosystems. The initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through a Circular Carbon Economy approach. By focusing on emission reductions, land rehabilitation, and biodiversity conservation, the SGI aligns with the objectives of all three Rio Conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
Key Details
The new funding of $60 million, led by entities including Ma’aden, the Morooj Foundation in partnership with the private sector, and the Tanmiah Food Company, aims to accelerate afforestation efforts across the Kingdom. These initiatives target the planting of millions of trees and mangroves, scattering 300 million seeds, rehabilitating degraded land, reducing air pollution, and enhancing biodiversity. Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has already planted over 100 million trees and shrubs and rehabilitated more than 118,000 hectares of degraded land. In the energy sector, the Kingdom plans to increase renewable energy capacity to 130 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, with 6.2 GW currently connected to the grid and 44.2 GW under development. Construction is also underway on one of the world’s largest carbon capture centers in Jubail, targeting the capture of 9 million tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2027.
Conservation Milestones
Saudi Arabia reported historic conservation achievements, including the rewilding of over 7,000 endangered species since 2021, such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian and sand gazelles, and Nubian ibex. Notably, four cheetah cubs were born in 2024—the first in the Kingdom in over 40 years—under the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy. Additionally, over 110 endangered red-necked ostrich chicks hatched in 2024, marking the successful reintroduction of a species that went extinct in the wild 100 years ago. The Ibex Reserve and King Salman Royal Nature Reserve were added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List, recognizing effective management and conservation programs. Currently, 18.1% of Saudi Arabia’s land and 6.49% of its marine environments are under protection, advancing the target of safeguarding 30% of both by 2030.
Implications and International Impact
The progress demonstrated at the SGI Forum positions Saudi Arabia as a key global partner in addressing climate and environmental challenges. The simultaneous hosting of UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh underscores the Kingdom’s role in facilitating international cooperation on land restoration and drought resilience. The significant investments in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while the achievements in biodiversity conservation set a benchmark for regional and international wildlife protection initiatives.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI)?
A1. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national program launched in 2021 to combat climate change, reduce emissions, and protect the environment, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Q2. When and where did the 2024 SGI Forum take place?
A2. The fourth edition of the SGI Forum began on December 3, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the UNCCD COP16 conference.
Q3. How much new funding was announced at the 2024 SGI Forum?
A3. Five new initiatives totaling $60 million (SAR225 million) were announced to accelerate afforestation and biodiversity efforts in the Kingdom.
Q4. What is the theme of the 2024 SGI Forum?
A4. The theme is “Action is in our Nature,” highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to tangible climate and environmental progress.
Q5. How many initiatives are part of the Saudi Green Initiative?
A5. There are 86 initiatives activated under SGI, with total investment exceeding $188 billion (SAR705 billion).
Q6. What is Saudi Arabia’s net-zero emissions target?
A6. The Kingdom aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, using a Circular Carbon Economy approach.
Q7. How much does Saudi Arabia plan to reduce annual emissions by?
A7. The SGI targets reducing emissions by 278 million tons annually through various initiatives.
Q8. What is the renewable energy capacity target for 2030?
A8. Saudi Arabia plans to increase renewable energy capacity to 130 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.
Q9. How many trees have been planted since the SGI launch?
A9. Over 100 million trees and shrubs have been planted since the launch of SGI in 2021.
Q10. How much degraded land has been rehabilitated?
A10. More than 118,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, an area larger than 165,000 football fields.
Q11. What is the purpose of the carbon capture center in Jubail?
A11. The center aims to capture 9 million tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2027, supporting emission reduction goals.
Q12. How many endangered species have been rewilded in Saudi Arabia?
A12. Over 7,000 endangered animals, including Arabian oryx and gazelles, have been rewilded in nature reserves since 2021.
Q13. What significant cheetah achievement occurred in 2024?
A13. Four cheetah cubs were born in 2024, marking the first cheetah births in Saudi Arabia in over 40 years.
Q14. What percentage of Saudi land is currently protected?
A14. As of 2024, 18.1% of Saudi Arabia’s land and 6.49% of its marine areas are under protection.
Q15. What is the target for protected land and marine areas by 2030?
A15. Saudi Arabia aims to protect 30% of its land and marine areas by 2030.
Q16. Which reserves were added to the IUCN Green List in 2024?
A16. The Ibex Reserve and King Salman Royal Nature Reserve were added to the IUCN Green List for effective conservation management.
Q17. Which organizations led the new $60 million initiatives?
A17. The initiatives are led by Ma’aden, Morooj Foundation in partnership with the private sector, and Tanmiah Food Company.
Q18. How many red-necked ostrich chicks hatched in 2024?
A18. Over 110 endangered red-necked ostrich chicks hatched, indicating successful reintroduction after 100 years of extinction in the wild.
Q19. How does the SGI Forum relate to the UNCCD COP16?
A19. The SGI Forum coincides with UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification and land degradation.
Q20. What is the long-term afforestation goal of Saudi Arabia?
A20. The Kingdom aims to plant 10 billion trees in the long term, enhancing resilience to desertification and improving quality of life.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The achievements and new initiatives announced at the 2024 SGI Forum directly advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and enhanced quality of life. By investing in renewable energy, carbon capture, and large-scale afforestation, the Kingdom is building a sustainable future while creating new economic opportunities. The protection of natural habitats and rewilding of endangered species contribute to a vibrant society and a thriving environment. As Saudi Arabia continues to implement these initiatives, it strengthens its position as a global leader in climate action and sustainable development, ensuring long-term prosperity for current and future generations.
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