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SDG14: LIFE BELOW WATER

Safeguarding Saudi Arabia's Marine Ecosystems: Qassim University's Endeavors in Tackling Marine Pollution and Promoting SDG 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 essay delves into Saudi Arabia's commitment to SDG 14, particularly in addressing marine pollution, and highlights Qassim University's efforts in safeguarding aquatic ecosystems through research, education, and community engagement.

SDG 14 in Saudi Arabia:

Saudi Arabia, with its extensive coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, recognizes the ecological and economic importance of marine ecosystems. The country has undertaken various initiatives to support SDG 14:
 

  • • Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Saudi Arabia has designated several Marine Protected Areas to conserve biodiversity and protect sensitive marine habitats. These areas help in safeguarding marine life and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
  • • Reducing Plastic Pollution: The nation has implemented measures to reduce plastic pollution, such as banning single-use plastics and promoting recycling. These actions contribute to curbing the flow of plastics into marine environments.
  • • Promoting Sustainable Fishing: Saudi Arabia has introduced regulations to ensure the sustainability of fisheries, such as setting fishing quotas and implementing closed seasons to allow fish stocks to replenish.
  • • Coral Reef Conservation: Given the significance of coral reefs, Saudi Arabia has initiated projects to monitor and conserve these delicate ecosystems. Coral restoration efforts contribute to preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy marine environments.

 

Qassim University's Initiatives:

Qassim University recognizes its role in tackling marine pollution and promoting healthy aquatic ecosystems: 
 

  • • Research and Innovation: The university conducts research on marine pollution, plastic waste, and its impact on marine life. Through innovative solutions, such as biodegradable materials and waste management techniques, Qassim University contributes to reducing pollution in aquatic environments.
  • • Curriculum Integration: Qassim University incorporates marine conservation topics into its curriculum across disciplines. By educating students about the importance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face, the university cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
  • • Community Engagement: The university collaborates with local communities to raise awareness about marine pollution and conservation. Through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs, Qassim University empowers communities to take action and adopt sustainable practices.
  • • Technology for Monitoring: Qassim University employs technology such as drones and underwater sensors to monitor marine environments. This data-driven approach aids in identifying pollution sources and understanding the state of aquatic ecosystems.
  • • Partnerships and Advocacy: The university collaborates with governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, and industry stakeholders to advocate for marine conservation policies and solutions. These partnerships amplify the impact of Qassim University's initiatives.

 

Challenges and Future Prospects:

While Saudi Arabia and Qassim University make strides in addressing marine pollution, challenges such as inadequate waste management and climate change impacts remain. However, by fostering collaborations, raising awareness, and advancing research, these challenges can be effectively addressed. 

Preserving life below water is essential for a sustainable future. Saudi Arabia's commitment to SDG 14 exemplifies its dedication to protecting its marine ecosystems. Qassim University's multifaceted approach, encompassing research, education, and community engagement, demonstrates the crucial role that educational institutions play in promoting marine conservation. Through their collective efforts, Saudi Arabia and Qassim University pave the way for cleaner oceans, healthier marine life, and a more sustainable world for current and future generations.

Saudi Arabia commits to step up efforts to fight marine pollution: minister

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2349171/business-economy [1]

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has committed to amplifying its efforts to mitigate marine pollution and address ecological concerns that face the region, said the Kingdom’s minister of environment, water and agriculture at a conference in Egypt on Thursday. 

Speaking at the 20th session of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli said that these environmental endeavors formed a significant part of Saudi Arabia’s initiatives, which focused on enhancing biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Kingdom has also been actively combating land degradation and improving the quality of life within the region and beyond. 

“Saudi Arabia has taken the initiative to adopt several noteworthy programs. Notable among them is the Middle East Green Initiative, which has successfully developed a comprehensive roadmap aimed at preserving the environment and combating climate change,” said Al-Fadhli at the event taking place in Hurghada, Egypt. 

He also spoke about the Kingdom’s willingness to collaborate with international agencies in driving the global environmental agenda forward. 

“At the international level, Saudi has also joined the World Oceans Union and the Alliance for the elimination of plastic waste in oceans,” added Al-Fadhli. 

He continued: “The Kingdom has established a nonprofit institution dedicated to exploring and studying seas and oceans, as well as a regional center for the sustainable development of fisheries.” 

In its bid to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2060, the Kingdom has also pursued the circular carbon economy approach, which has emerged as a massive deterrent to marine pollution. 

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is working towards developing the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform launched by the G20 leaders during Saudi Arabia’s presidency in 2020. 

CORDAP is currently gathering environmentalists worldwide to scale up the development of new technologies that support the conservation efforts needed to secure a future for tropical coral reefs and cold-water corals. 

Last year, the program also launched a grant program of up to $18 million for innovative solutions to help secure a future for corals and reefs in the face of climate change and environmental pressures.

Saudi Arabia Commits to Supporting Global Environmental Initiatives to Combat Marine Pollution

https://www.ksa.com/saudi-arabia-commits-to-supporting-global-environmental-initiatives-to-combat-marine-pollution [2]

Riyadh, August 03, 2023, In a momentous event that took place in the picturesque city of Hurghada, Egypt, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, took to the stage to deliver Saudi Arabia's highly anticipated speech. The occasion? The 20th session of the esteemed Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden As the audience eagerly awaited his words, the Minister's address promised to shed light on Saudi Arabia's stance on crucial environmental matters. 

In a recent statement, the Minister affirmed the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting and bolstering initiatives aimed at combating marine pollution and tackling urgent environmental issues. With a steadfast determination to foster an environment conducive to growth and stability in the region, the Kingdom is resolute in its dedication to endorsing and amplifying local, regional, and international efforts in this regard. 

In a statement made by Al-Fadhli, it was revealed that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a keen awareness of pressing global environmental issues. In response, the country has proactively implemented a number of significant initiatives. One such program is the Middle East Green Initiative, which has proven to be highly effective in devising a detailed plan of action to safeguard the environment and address the urgent matter of climate change. In a significant move on the global stage, Saudi Arabia has recently become a member of both the World Oceans Union and the Alliance for Eliminating Plastic Waste in Oceans. Moreover, the Kingdom has recently inaugurated a non-profit organization with a steadfast commitment to delving into the depths of seas and oceans, as well as a regional hub focused on fostering the sustainable growth of fisheries," he elaborated. 

In a recent statement, Al-Fadhli, a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of the country's environmental efforts. These initiatives, he explained, are aimed at bolstering biodiversity, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, tackling land degradation, and ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life not only within the region but also on a global scale. Al-Fadhli further highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to adopting a circular carbon economy approach, revealing an ambitious target of attaining zero carbon emissions by the year 2060. 

In a remarkable display of collaboration, Saudi Arabia has joined forces with its esteemed partners to play an active role in the establishment of the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). In a significant development, the G20 leaders unveiled a groundbreaking platform during the esteemed Saudi Arabia presidency in 2020. 

In a recent statement, the Minister conveyed his gratitude towards the organization for its commendable endeavors in safeguarding the marine environments of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He lauded the member states for their invaluable contributions and expressed optimism that the outcomes of the ongoing session would serve to enhance regional conservation efforts and foster the attainment of common objectives among countries in the region.

Al-Daoud signs two contracts worth more than 25 million riyals for water treatment plant and wireless network projects

https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/891 [3]

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, Rector of the University, signed on Sunday morning, 19/9/1439 AH, two contracts for the implementation of several projects with a total value of more than 25 million riyals, and the signed contracts included the project of completing the infrastructure of wireless networks, the project of implementing the buildings of the wastewater treatment plant, and the animal waste treatment plant at the agricultural research and experiment plant. Al-Daoud signed a project to complete the infrastructure of wireless networks worth 17,742,708 million riyals with Al-Jeraisy Corporation for Computer Services, and also signed a public works project contract for the implementation of the buildings of the wastewater treatment plant and the animal waste treatment plant at the agricultural research and experiment station worth 7,899,413 million with Rakan Contracting Company. After signing the contracts, Al-Daoud stressed the need for the implementing companies and their employees to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract, in order to achieve the interests of both parties, and in the interest of the development and development of the educational process in all units of the university city and in the various colleges.

Qassim Water Director thanks the university's efforts in making the "Network Water Quality" conference a success

https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/1010 [4]

Eng. Abdulmohsen Al-Faraihi, Director General of Water Services in Qassim Region, sent a letter of thanks to His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, Rector of the University, for the cooperation of the University through its cadres and specialized experts, which contributed to the support and success of the activities of the conference "Network Water Quality", which was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Meshaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Amir of the Qassim Region, during the period from 27/1/1440 H to 29/1/1440 H, at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, and in the presence of His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti. 

It is worth mentioning that the conference highlighted community awareness and knowledge enrichment of the role played by the wise government represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the water distribution sector in the Kingdom to provide drinking water services in accordance with the highest standards and standards.

The Rector inaugurates the headquarters of the "Center for Sustainable Development" and directs the launch of the Award for Innovation and Environmental Excellence for Students

https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/880 [5]

His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, Rector of the University, inaugurated the new headquarters of the Center for Sustainable Development at the University on Thursday, 24/8/1439 AH, and directed His Excellency during the opening to launch the Award for Innovation and Environmental Excellence for male and female students, and expressed his admiration for the sections of the headquarters, in which many requirements were taken into account in line with the nature of the Center's objectives, and he was briefed on the exhibits of wild seeds, treated water, types of wild firewood and healthy and clean vegetables "organic", which added to the headquarters a present mental attachment. 

Al-Daoud met with the members of the Executive Committee and praised the achievements of the Center during the current year, including the preparation of conditions booklets for the implementation of the package of projects of the strategic plan of the University directly related to the development and investment frameworks in the Qassim region, hoping for the success of these projects, because of the continuous support received by the Center by His Highness and the membership of a number of prominent members from inside and outside the University, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Meshaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz. 

For his part, the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, Mr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al-Rabadi, stressed that one of the achievements of the Center is the establishment of the Voluntary Sustainability Unit, and pointed out that the Center received direct support from His Excellency the Director to establish a sustainable development award dedicated to university students, directed in several tracks, which will be announced at the beginning of the next academic year. 

During the opening of the Center, the eleventh meeting of the Executive Committee was held, which touched on the scientific activities to be implemented in addition to the community services provided by the Center and field visits by the members of the Executive Committee to introduce the vision of the Center, its mission, objectives and initiatives in sustainable development, as well as discussion on the future projects of the Center.

Qassim Water Director thanks the university's efforts in making the "Network Water Quality" conference a success

https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/1010 [2]

Eng. Abdulmohsen Al-Faraihi, Director General of Water Services in Qassim Region, sent a letter of thanks to His Excellency Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood, Rector of the University, for the cooperation of the University through its cadres and specialized experts, which contributed to the support and success of the activities of the conference "Network Water Quality", which was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Meshaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Amir of the Qassim Region, during the period from 27/1/1440 H to 29/1/1440 H, at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, and in the presence of His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti. 

It is worth mentioning that the conference highlighted community awareness and knowledge enrichment of the role played by the wise government represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the water distribution sector in the Kingdom to provide drinking water services in accordance with the highest standards and standards.

References

[1] [Online]. Available: .https://www.arabnews.com/node/2349171/business-economy

[2] [Online]. Available: . https://www.ksa.com/saudi-arabia-commits-to-supporting-global-environmental-initiatives-to-combat-marine-pollution.

[3] [Online]. Available: . https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/891

[4] [Online]. Available: . https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/1010.

[5] [Online]. Available: . https://www.qu.edu.sa/content/news/880.