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Goal 14: Life Below Water
Protecting Marine Ecosystems in Saudi Arabia: Al-Qassim University's Efforts in Combating Marine Pollution and Promoting Sustainable Development Goal 14
Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for present and future generations. This article addresses Saudi Arabia's commitment to SDG 14, particularly in tackling marine pollution, and highlights Al-Qassim University's efforts in protecting aquatic ecosystems through research, education, and community engagement.
Goal 14 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its extensive coastlines on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, recognizes the environmental and economic importance of marine ecosystems. It has undertaken several initiatives to support Goal 14, including:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
The Kingdom has identified several marine protected areas to conserve biodiversity and protect sensitive marine habitats. These areas help safeguard marine life and promote sustainable fishing practices. - Reducing plastic pollution: The Kingdom has implemented measures to reduce plastic pollution, such as banning single-use plastics and encouraging recycling. These efforts contribute to mitigating the flow of plastic into marine environments.
- Promoting sustainable fishing
The Kingdom has introduced regulations to ensure the sustainability of fisheries, such as setting fishing quotas and implementing fishing ban seasons to allow fish stocks to replenish. - Coral reef protection
Given the importance of coral reefs, the Kingdom has launched projects to monitor and preserve these ecosystems. Coral farming efforts contribute to preserving biodiversity and the sustainability of marine environments.
Qassim University Initiatives
Qassim University acknowledges its role in confronting marine pollution and enhancing the health of aquatic ecosystems through:
- Research and Innovation:
The university is conducting research on marine pollution, plastic waste, and their impact on marine life. Through innovative solutions such as biodegradable materials and waste management technologies, Qassim University is contributing to the reduction of pollution in aquatic environments. - Curriculum Integration
The university integrates marine conservation topics into its curricula across disciplines. By educating students on the importance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face, the university contributes to preparing an environmentally conscious generation. - Community Engagement
The university collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about marine pollution and protect the marine environment. Through workshops, seminars, and awareness programs, the university empowers the community to take action and adopt sustainable practices. - Technologies in surveillance:
The university uses technologies like drones and underwater sensors to monitor marine environments. This data-driven approach helps identify pollution sources and understand the condition of aquatic ecosystems. - Partnerships and Advocacy:
The university collaborates with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry stakeholders to advocate for policies and solutions for marine environmental conservation. These partnerships enhance the impact of the university's initiatives.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite Saudi Arabia and Qassim University making progress in combating marine pollution, challenges remain, such as poor waste management and the effects of climate change. However, these challenges can be effectively addressed through enhanced cooperation, increased awareness, and research development.
Protecting underwater life is essential for a sustainable future. The Kingdom's commitment to Goal 14 embodies its dedication to safeguarding its marine ecosystems. Qassim University's comprehensive approach—encompassing research, education, and community engagement—demonstrates the vital role educational institutions play in fostering marine conservation. Through the joint efforts of the Kingdom and the university, the path is being paved for cleaner seas, healthier marine life, and a more sustainable world for present and future generations.
Saudi Arabia Commits to Intensifying Efforts to Combat Marine Pollution: Minister
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Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has affirmed its commitment to enhancing its efforts to mitigate marine pollution and address environmental concerns facing the region, according to the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture at a conference held in Egypt on Thursday. During the 20th session of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli stated that these environmental efforts are a significant part of the Kingdom's initiatives that focus on promoting biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Kingdom has also been active in combating land degradation and improving the quality of life within and outside the region.
Al-Fadhli said at the event held in Hurghada, Egypt: “The Kingdom has initiated several prominent programs. Most notably, the Green Middle East Initiative, which has succeeded in developing a comprehensive roadmap aimed at preserving the environment and combating climate change.” The minister also spoke of the Kingdom's willingness to cooperate with international bodies to advance the global environmental agenda. “At the international level, the Kingdom has also joined the World Ocean Consortium and the Alliance to Eliminate Plastic Waste in the Oceans,” he added. “The Kingdom has established a non-profit foundation dedicated to the exploration and study of seas and oceans, as well as a regional center for sustainable fisheries development.” In its quest to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, the Kingdom has adopted a circular carbon economy approach, which has emerged as a major tool to address marine pollution. The Kingdom is also developing the Coral Reef Development Research Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), which was launched by G20 leaders during the Kingdom's 2020 presidency. The CORDAP program currently brings together environmental scientists from around the world to develop new technologies that support the conservation of tropical coral and cold-water reefs. Last year, the program also launched grants of up to $18 million for innovative solutions aimed at protecting the future of coral reefs.
Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting global environmental initiatives to combat marine pollution.
Riyadh, August 3, 2023 — At a prominent event in the Egyptian city of Hurghada, the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadhli, took the stage to deliver the Kingdom's speech at the 20th meeting of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
In a recent statement, the minister affirmed the Kingdom's firm commitment to supporting and enhancing initiatives aimed at combating marine pollution and addressing urgent environmental issues. With unwavering resolve, the Kingdom is working to support local, regional, and international efforts to achieve a stable and sustainable environment.
Al-Fadhli revealed that the Kingdom has shown clear awareness of global environmental issues and has taken early steps to launch important initiatives, most notably the Middle East Green Initiative, which has proven effective in setting a detailed action plan for environmental preservation and addressing climate change.
Internationally, the Kingdom recently joined the World Ocean Union and the Global Commitment to End Plastic Pollution in Oceans. It also launched a non-profit foundation dedicated to studying seas and oceans, and a regional center for sustainable fisheries development.
Al-Fadhli stressed that the Kingdom's environmental efforts aim to enhance biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat land degradation, and improve quality of life regionally and globally.
The Kingdom also affirmed its commitment to the circular carbon economy approach, with an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Within the framework of international cooperation, the Kingdom participated in the establishment of the Coral Reefs Research Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), launched by the G20 leaders in 2020, and supported its efforts in protecting the marine environments of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Al Dawood signs two contracts worth over 25 million riyals for water treatment plant projects and wireless network projects
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His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, the President of the University, signed two contracts on Sunday morning, 19/09/1439 AH, for the implementation of a number of projects with a total value exceeding 25 million Saudi Riyals.
The contracts signed included:
Wireless Network Infrastructure Completion Project
Project for the implementation of wastewater treatment plant buildings and animal waste treatment plant at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station
Al Dawood signed a contract for the wireless network infrastructure completion project worth 17,742,708 Saudi riyals with Al Grains Computers Services Company.
A public works project contract was signed with Rakan Contracting Company for the implementation of wastewater treatment plant buildings and an animal waste treatment plant, valued at 7,899,413 riyals.
Al-Dawood emphasized during the contract signing the necessity for the implementing companies to adhere to the contract terms and conditions in order to achieve the interest of both parties, and to serve the development of the educational process in all units and colleges of the university city.
Qassim's Water Director Thanks the University for its Efforts in the Success of the "Network Water Quality" Conference."
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Engineer Abdul Mohsen Al-Furaihi, Director General of Water Services in the Qassim region, sent a letter of thanks to His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, the University President, in appreciation of the university's cooperation through its specialized staff and experts, which contributed to supporting and successfully holding the “Network Water Quality” conference.
The conference was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Qassim Region, from January 27 to 29, 1440 AH, at King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, with the attendance of the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour Al-Mishaiti.
The conference highlighted societal awareness and knowledge enrichment regarding the role of the righteous government, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the water distribution sector in the Kingdom, in providing drinking water services according to the highest standards and specifications.
The university president launched the headquarters of the "Center for Sustainable Development" and directed the launch of the Environmental Innovation and Excellence Award for students.
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His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, President of the University, inaugurated the new headquarters of the Center for Sustainable Development at the university on Thursday, 24/8/1439 AH. During the opening, he directed the launch of the Environmental Innovation and Excellence Award for male and female students.
He expressed his admiration for the headquarters“ departments, which took into account many requirements in line with the nature of the center's objectives, and he viewed exhibits of wild seeds, treated water, wild firewood, and healthy ”organic" vegetables.
During his meeting with the Executive Committee members, Al-Dawood praised the center's achievements this year, including the preparation of tender documents for the implementation of the university's strategic plan projects related to development and investment in the Al-Qassim region.
The Director of the Sustainable Development Center, Professor Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Rabdi, also confirmed that among the center's most prominent achievements are the establishment of the Voluntary Sustainability Unit and the launch of the Sustainable Development Award for Students, which will be announced at the beginning of the next academic year.
References
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