Al-Fadhli: Vision 2030 is reshaping the environment and sustainability system in Saudi Arabia
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing a golden era in the field of preserving natural resources, as the wise leadership views the environmental file as a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development and not merely a service sector, stressing that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has played a pivotal role in re-engineering and building the environmental system, making sustainability a strategic approach that intersects with all national plans.
Al-Fadhli's remarks came during the opening of the IFAT Saudi Arabia 2026 conference and exhibition in Riyadh, a global platform that brings together circular economy leaders and decision-makers. The minister explained that the Kingdom's hosting of this event reflects its firm commitment to leading the environmental movement in the region and transitioning from temporary, traditional solutions to long-term, sustainable strategies that enhance quality of life and support the national economy.
Historical context and institutional transformation
To understand the magnitude of this achievement, it's worth noting that the Kingdom's environmental sector has undergone radical transformations since the launch of Vision 2030. This included the adoption of the National Environment Strategy, the restructuring of the sector through the establishment of five specialized environmental centers and an environmental fund, and the enactment of the new Environmental Law, a significant legislative shift aimed at ensuring environmental compliance. This institutional transformation paved the way for what Al-Fadhli mentioned regarding the integration of the system and the efficiency of planning.
Water security: record numbers and smart management
In reviewing the achievements, Al-Fadhli revealed significant advancements in the water sector, with the system's production capacity exceeding 16 million cubic meters per day , placing the Kingdom at the forefront globally in desalination technologies. He highlighted the vital role of the private sector, which contributes approximately 4.4 million cubic meters per day through partnership projects. He emphasized that the Kingdom not only produces desalinated water but also manages one of the world's largest water transmission networks, achieving high rates of treated water reuse, approaching 33%, reflecting high efficiency in managing scarce water resources.
Saudi Green Initiative and Vegetation Development
The Minister addressed the efforts undertaken within the framework of the "Saudi Green Initiative," the largest reforestation initiative in the region, explaining that national efforts have resulted in the rehabilitation of more than 500,000 hectares of degraded land and the planting of over 151 million trees . He also noted the increase in the percentage of terrestrial and marine protected areas, reaching approximately 18% of the Kingdom's total area, with ongoing work to achieve the ambitious target of protecting 30% of the Kingdom's area by 2030, thus contributing to the protection of biodiversity and combating desertification.
Circular economy: Waste as a national asset
Regarding the waste management sector, Al-Fadhli explained that the demographic and economic challenges have resulted in waste exceeding 130 million tons annually. He emphasized that the Kingdom, through the establishment of the National Center for Waste Management (Mawan), has transformed this challenge into promising investment opportunities within the framework of the circular economy . He announced that the system will offer more than 500 investment opportunities, valued at hundreds of billions of riyals, over the next 25 years, supported by a sophisticated infrastructure encompassing more than 900 facilities. This will boost the GDP and create new green jobs.
Al-Fadhli concluded his remarks by emphasizing that these conferences represent a starting point for quality international partnerships, aimed at localizing modern technologies and building a more sustainable future for future generations.
