Riyadh, December 7, 2024 – Dr. Mohammad Qurban, Chief Executive of the National Center for Wildlife, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ambitious environmental goals during a key session titled "MEAs Synergies for Strengthened Environmental Governance: Insights from the Bern III Conference," held on the sidelines of COP16. The session focused on how Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) can strengthen environmental governance and drive collective action on global environmental issues.
Dr. Qurban emphasized one of the Kingdom's most significant initiatives: the 30x30 goal, which aims to protect 30% of Saudi Arabia’s land and marine areas by the year 2030. This initiative is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's broader environmental strategy, designed to safeguard the country's rich biodiversity and combat the growing threats posed by climate change. To achieve this ambitious target, Saudi Arabia is leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite tracking. These technologies allow for more precise monitoring and conservation of the nation’s diverse ecosystems, providing real-time data to help policymakers make informed decisions on land and marine protection.
In his address, Dr. Qurban also underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to global environmental cooperation. He mentioned that Saudi Arabia is actively working to implement many of the key recommendations from the Bern III Conference, a significant international gathering aimed at advancing global biodiversity goals. The Kingdom has also established a national committee dedicated to aligning its environmental efforts with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an international treaty designed to halt biodiversity loss and promote sustainable development.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Qurban stressed the urgent need for bold action and collective commitment to protect the planet’s future. He emphasized that tackling environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss and climate change, requires global collaboration and shared responsibility. Through initiatives like 30x30 and active participation in international frameworks, Saudi Arabia is not only advancing its own environmental goals but also contributing to the global effort to preserve the Earth’s natural heritage for future generations.
The session served as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of global environmental challenges and the importance of synergistic efforts between nations and stakeholders. As the world grapples with the ongoing environmental crisis, Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance and forward-thinking approach continue to position it as a key player in the global environmental governance landscape.