First Step Campaign: A national initiative to promote water sustainability in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation (Ma’i) announced the launch of its new awareness campaign, “The First Step,” which is a key component of its national strategy aimed at promoting water sustainability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The campaign calls on all segments of society, as well as government and private entities, to actively participate by adopting simple yet impactful daily practices to improve water consumption efficiency and reduce water waste.
Linking rationalization to the daily behavior of individuals
The Water Center explained that the philosophy behind the “First Step” campaign is based on linking conservation concepts to the daily routines of citizens and residents. The campaign is designed to deliver smart, awareness-raising messages aimed at changing consumption patterns, emphasizing that the first step begins with the individual, whether through addressing household leaks, using water-saving devices, or modifying water usage habits in daily activities. These messages aim to motivate the community to take practical steps that contribute to achieving sustainable development.
National context and the importance of water security
This campaign is of paramount strategic importance given the geographical nature of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its limited natural water resources. It aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which prioritizes environmental sustainability and water security. Through its National Water Strategy, the Kingdom aims to reduce per capita daily water consumption and decrease over-reliance on energy-intensive desalination, making water conservation an economic and environmental necessity, not merely a luxury.
Broad community and institutional partnership
The “First Step” campaign is not limited to individual awareness initiatives; it is part of a broader national effort involving active participation from both the public and private sectors. The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation emphasizes that achieving water sustainability requires concerted efforts from all sectors. Institutions play a significant role in adopting water-saving technologies within their facilities and raising awareness among their employees. This campaign represents a significant step towards building a conscious society that understands the value of water as a national resource that must be preserved for future generations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of water resource management and ensuring its sustainability.
