How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives

“`html

Report on Saudi Arabia’s Forest Ecosystems and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Saudi Arabia, characterized by its low annual rainfall and vast desert landscapes, also hosts multiple forest ecosystems in its mountainous regions, valleys, and along its coastline. These forests play a crucial role in combating climate change and supporting biodiversity.

Role of Forests in Climate Change Mitigation

Forests act as carbon sinks, storing carbon both above and below ground, thereby reducing atmospheric carbon levels and mitigating the greenhouse effect. They also create local microclimates, provide habitats for diverse species, lock in freshwater resources, and prevent flash floods, landslides, and soil degradation.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Vision 2030

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) is at the forefront of implementing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategic goals, which align with several SDGs.

Key Initiatives

1. Tree Planting Initiative: Aiming to plant 10 billion trees as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, significantly contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
2. Forest Management and Sustainable Development by 2030: Focuses on nurturing and preserving woodland environments, addressing SDG 15.
3. Vegetation and Infrastructure Development for National Parks: Enhances protected natural spaces, promoting biodiversity and ecotourism, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15.
4. Planting Wild Trees in Royal Reserves: Targets the enhancement of natural habitats within pristine areas, supporting SDG 15.

Challenges and Collaborative Efforts

The NCVC aims to elevate living standards by reducing pollution, restoring degraded environments, building resilience against natural hazards, and defending against harmful pests. Public and private sector engagement is crucial for achieving these sustainable environmental goals.

Forest Ecosystems in Saudi Arabia

• Mountain Forests: Located from the Hijaz Mountains in Taif to Jazan in the south, these forests feature species like Juniperus and Olea chrysophylla.
• Valley Forests: Found in 179 valleys across the country, characterized by species such as Acacia ehrenbergiana and Salvadora persica.
• Mangrove Forests: Predominantly along the Red Sea coast, with species like Avicennia marina.

Urban and Cultivated Woodlands

In addition to natural forests, Saudi Arabia hosts urban and cultivated woodlands in parks and residential neighborhoods to provide shade, reduce temperatures, and beautify city streets.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation

The Saudi National Center for Wildlife works to protect, develop, and restore ecosystems and biodiversity. The Kingdom is home to a rich array of wildlife, including 78 terrestrial mammal species, 499 bird species, 136 reptile species, seven amphibian species, and over 6,500 invertebrate species.

Marine Biodiversity

Saudi waters host 19 marine mammal species, eight freshwater fish species, 1,248 saltwater fish species, and 266 coral species.

The Saudi Green Initiative

Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021 under the Vision 2030 framework, the Saudi Green Initiative aims to tackle threats to biodiversity and foster sustainable development. Key goals include transitioning to a sustainable economy by reducing carbon emissions (SDG 13), boosting renewable energy production (SDG 7), enhancing environmental protection (SDG 15), promoting green technologies (SDG 9), and creating green jobs (SDG 8).

Conclusion

Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, Saudi Arabia aims to create a resilient and thriving ecosystem that benefits both present and future generations. The alignment with Sustainable Development Goals underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

“““html

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
  • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 15: Life on Land
  • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
  • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of initiatives aimed at building resilience against natural hazards (e.g., tree planting projects, forest management initiatives).
• Indicator for SDG 15.2: Area of forest cover restored or reforested (e.g., planting of 10 billion trees, restoration of degraded environments).
• Indicator for SDG 6.6: Health of water-related ecosystems (e.g., preservation of mangrove forests, protection of freshwater resources).
• Indicator for SDG 11.4: Number of protected natural spaces (e.g., development of 50 national parks).
• Indicator for SDG 17.17: Level of engagement by public and private sectors in environmental initiatives (e.g., collaborative efforts in vegetation development).

Findings from Analyzing the Article

“`

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: arabnews.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.