Amid growing global challenges, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in environmental protection through the adoption of ambitious laws and policies. Vision 2030 serves as a pioneering roadmap for sustainable development, focusing on improving quality of life and conserving natural resources. One of the Kingdom’s most notable environmental initiatives is the Green Riyadh project, which is one of the largest afforestation projects in the world. This project aims to transform Riyadh into a green city characterised by sustainability and environmental beauty.
The Kingdom has seen progress in its environmental legislative framework to achieve sustainable development and ensure a bright future for upcoming generations. In alignment with Vision 2030, the Kingdom has implemented regulations and decisions focusing on environmental protection, enhancement and the development of renewable energy projects to promote environmental sustainability.
Sustainability Drive
In a push to promote sustainable development, the Environment Law was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/165) and came into force in January 2021. This law encompasses regulations and measures to reduce pollution, safeguard natural areas and protect environmental reserves. There are specific clauses that focus on managing solid and hazardous waste, organising recycling processes and addressing air and water pollution.
The Kingdom encourages companies to adopt ecofriendly practices and offers incentives for projects that conserve natural resources. It has also enhanced regional and international cooperation by participating in environmental agreements, strengthening its ability to address global challenges and achieve broader sustainable development goals.
In May 2015 the Kingdom hosted the International Forum and Exhibition on Environment and Sustainable Development, bringing together over 200 experts to discuss critical environmental issues and promote international collaboration. Key topics at the event included the promotion of the sustainable use of natural resources, the enhancement of a culture of sustainability and the effective management of resources at the local and regional levels.
Achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 is a key priority. Saudi Arabia seeks to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy, with Vision 2030 targeting the development of sustainable agricultural practices and innovative environmental technologies. Vision 2030 underscores the commitment to achieving a balance between environmental conservation and economic growth. Through various initiatives and updates that have been launched to date, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for balanced and sustainable development, thereby enhancing its position in the field of environmental stewardship both regionally and internationally.
Oversight
Among the prominent initiatives and efforts by the Kingdom to enhance environmental protection and achieve sustainable development, the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection plays a crucial role in monitoring climate change and providing advanced strategies to address ecological challenges such as desertification and soil degradation. Additionally, Vision 2030 reflects a comprehensive commitment to ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for future generations.
A key authority when it comes to environmental regulation is the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), formerly the Ministry of Agriculture, which was created in 2016. The MEWA was established to coordinate environmental protection efforts and manage water resources. The ministry has been led by minister Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al Fadhli since its inception. The MEWA plays a significant role in coordinating and regulating environmental initiatives through integrated efforts with other government entities. The ministry is responsible for formulating sustainable strategies, and conducting studies that contribute to environmental leadership and growth.
Environmental regulation in the Kingdom is not limited to a single entity but involves multiple organisations. In July 2020 the Council of Ministers approved the integration and coordination of the roles of relevant authorities. These include the MEWA; the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection; the Saudi Wildlife Authority – which has since been rebranded as the National Centre for Wildlife; the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation; and the National Centre for Environmental Compliance.
Legal Regulations
As part of efforts to achieve Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable future and a healthy environment, the Kingdom prioritises environmentally friendly initiatives to achieve these goals. It has established comprehensive legislative frameworks as a cornerstone of its efforts to promote sustainability. This is achieved through the enactment and updating of systems and regulations designed to protect natural resources and reduce pollution. Additionally, the Kingdom has implemented mechanisms for monitoring and inspection to ensure compliance and apply penalties for violations.
The Kingdom included an explicit provision on the environment in the Basic Law of Governance, issued by Royal Decree No. (A/90) in March, 1992. The law lays out the government’s role in preserving, protecting and developing the environment, as well as preventing pollution. This commitment begins with international and local treaties and is a central focus of the Vision 2030 roadmap.
International Treaties
Saudi Arabia has made significant efforts to help improve environmental conditions and advance towards a more sustainable future. The Kingdom’s efforts are guided by numerous international treaties and agreements focused on environmental protection and investing in alternative and renewable energy.
Among the notable steps taken by the Kingdom in this direction is its accession to international treaties that reinforce its commitment to sustainable environmental practices. These treaties represent an international legal framework aimed at addressing environmental issues affecting the planet, such as climate change, pollution and the loss of biodiversity. Kyoto Protocol: This agreement is an extension of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which entered into force in 1994. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 2005. Saudi Arabia is one of 192 signatory parties to this protocol, which aims to reduce greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The protocol set specific reduction targets based on the shared responsibilities of the participating countries. Paris Agreement: This landmark treaty represented a key step in global efforts to combat climate change. Adopted in December 2015, Saudi Arabia was among the 196 countries that ratified the deal. The legislation’s goals are focused on limiting the impacts of climate change, particularly those leading to increased global temperatures, and boosting the capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change through long-term strategies.
The Paris Agreement mandates coordinated international efforts, including the submission of nationally determined contributions from signatories to achieve long-term goals and promote low-carbon development. The deal encourages parties to enhance global cooperation by sharing information and best practices, while considering the December 2010 Cancun Adaptation Framework to support climate change adaptation in developing countries. It emphasises bolstering institutional arrangements, deepening scientific knowledge and addressing disparities to reduce climate change impacts.
Additionally, the agreement highlights the importance of adopting and developing technology to improve climate adaptation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Technology development is seen as a collaborative task requiring integrated efforts among the parties, who must work together to disseminate and implement the agreement, ensuring that global efforts are directed towards achieving its targets. Through these collaborative efforts, the agreement seeks to deliver a long-term and effective global response to the challenges of climate change. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (Vienna Convention): This agreement was one of the pioneering international treaties that received early global endorsement. Adopted in 1985, this crucial legislation, which Saudi Arabia acceded to in 1993, seeks to address the issue of ozone layer depletion and combat climate change.
The convention aims to implement effective measures for monitoring the international production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. It supports the development and use of innovative technological alternatives in order to reduce dependence on these substances.
The convention served as a vital legal foundation for international actions needed to protect the environment. It focuses on understanding and studying the impact of human activities and establishing appropriate legislative and administrative measures. It also includes provisions for enhancing global cooperation among member countries, in line with their scientific, technical and legal capacities.
International cooperation is a fundamental part of the convention, involving the transfer of information, experiences and knowledge from developed countries to others. It also contributes to raising awareness about the physical and chemical processes affecting the ozone layer, and understanding the associated health and environmental impacts – particularly those related to ultraviolet solar radiation. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol): This treaty served as one of the key extensions of the Vienna Convention. Adopted in 1987, the protocol has been signed by 197 countries, including Saudi Arabia. The Montreal Protocol represents a critical step in global efforts to protect the ozone layer by regulating and monitoring chemicals that impact it.
The protocol includes detailed lists of controlled substances, categorised into groups based on their chemical nature. This classification helps regulate and monitor the use of these substances, thereby enhancing the ability to mitigate their harmful effects and protect the environment. Unified Law of the GCC for the Arab States on the Control of Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Unified Law of the GCC): Adopted in 2013, this legislation was established in response to the importance of regional cooperation and in compliance with the Montreal Protocol. Its target is the complete elimination of harmful substances and their replacement with safe alternatives. The system enhances coordination among member countries and establishes local measures in order to achieve effective environmental protection.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol and the Unified Law of the GCC underscores its comprehensive strategy for sustainable development and enhances global cooperation to tackle environmental challenges, reflecting its dedication to protection and sustainability.
Technological Developments
To simplify environmental protection procedures, the Kingdom has developed a range of innovative smartphone applications. These apps promote community responsibility by providing user-friendly and accessible tools, contributing to practical environmental awareness. Some of these applications are as follows:
• MEWA app: This app offers a service directory for seven sectors: water, agriculture, livestock, environment, fisheries, land and surveying. It serves individuals, businesses, government entities, visitors to the Kingdom and voluntary associations.
• Agricultural Development Fund app: This app facilitates access to the fund’s electronic services, allowing clients to access their profile and review contract data. It also contains an interactive map that facilitates customer access to the fund’s branches and service centres.
• Murshiduk app: This app provides agricultural advisory services including smart guidance, plant or pest inquiries, market information, pest details, agricultural analyses, weather updates, consultation requests and other services.
• Saudi Irrigation Organisation app: This app allows users to track and share updates, and offers a reporting feature to submit reports, add attachments and specify the location of violations.
• Anwaa app: This app tracks the weather in Saudi cities provides real-time updates, five-day forecasts, and alerts for weather complications.
• Saudi Water Authority app: This app is a platform to report problems with water and wastewater services when customers are dissatisfied. Users can also request to visit any of the authority’s plants or buildings within the country.
Green Riyadh Project
Vision 2030 is underpinned by three main pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious populace. In this context, the Kingdom has launched the Green Riyadh project. This is one of the four major initiatives launched by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in March 2019. The development aims to elevate Riyadh’s ranking among global cities and represents a comprehensive vision to transform the Saudi capital into a model for green cities worldwide. The Green Riyadh project constitutes a strategic step towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030. It extends to organising the regulatory framework through the establishment of a comprehensive legal system, with the Kingdom striving to ensure the project’s effectiveness and sustainability. The project aims to plant about 7.5m trees across the capital. As part of Vision 2030, it focuses on enhancing green spaces to improve air quality, lower temperatures, and establish green public parks, mosques, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and roads.
Legal & Regulatory Framework
The Green Riyadh project operates within a robust legal and regulatory framework designed to ensure environmental sustainability and resource protection. This framework is as follows:
• Existing environmental laws: The project is governed by laws focused on protecting natural resources, regulating water conservation, waste management and sustainable construction.
• Legislative amendments: Recent updates enhance green initiatives through improved urban design standards and laws for afforestation and environmental project oversight.
• Regulatory guidelines: These principles set standards for afforestation, water usage and green space maintenance, ensuring alignment with broader environmental goals.
Project Supervision
The project is being implemented under the oversight of various government entities, including the MEWA, Riyadh Municipality and the Riyadh Development Authority. These bodies coordinate activities and provide necessary support to ensure compliance with legal standards. Oversight and inspection mechanisms have been developed for monitoring and inspection to ensure adherence to environmental standards. These mechanisms include regular inspections, the review of environmental performance reports, and the enforcement of penalties for violations, aimed at ensuring that project-related activities align with specified environmental goals.
The Green Riyadh project places significant emphasis on local community involvement in executing environmental initiatives, fostering collaboration with private companies, academic institutions and non-profit organisations to support and enhance environmental awareness among citizens.
Project Components & Impact
While the planting of trees is a key focus of the Green Riyadh project, the initiative includes a range of integrated environmental elements. Key components include:
• The development of numerous public parks and green areas across the city, providing spaces for social, cultural and recreational activities;
• The improvement of road design to include trees and green pathways, thereby improving the pedestrian experience and reducing traffic congestion;
• The utilisation of modern irrigation technologies to ensure efficient water use – a crucial step in a water-scarce region; and
• The preservation of natural areas and the mitigation of negative environmental impacts by reducing desertification and pollution.
Environmental & Social Benefits
The Green Riyadh project offers numerous environmental, social and health benefits. Some of these are as follows:
• Improved air quality: Trees help absorb airborne pollutants and increase oxygen levels, thereby enhancing public health.
• Reduced temperatures: Vegetative cover acts as thermal insulation, mitigating the effects of severe summer heat in the city.
• Enhanced public well-being: The provision of green spaces improves quality of life by offering a comfortable environment for recreation and relaxation.
• Support for the local economy: the project creates new employment opportunities in areas such as agriculture, urban design and maintenance.
Challenges & Solutions
The Green Riyadh project presents several legal challenges that are being met with innovative solutions, as follows.
• Implementation challenges: Ensuring adherence to environmental standards and addressing violations requires clear legal procedures and effective penalties.
• Innovative solutions: Saudi Arabia employs advanced monitoring techniques, staff training and enhanced community engagement to ensure compliance and participation in conservation efforts. The Green Riyadh project represents a model that aligns environmental ambitions with regulatory structures. By establishing a comprehensive legal framework, the Kingdom aims to achieve the programme’s goals effectively and sustainably. This initiative is a key step towards realising the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for citizens and promote environmental sustainability. It serves as a noteworthy example of how to integrate green initiatives with legal structures to help support sustainable development.
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