The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) is a comprehensive framework launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address climate change, enhance environmental protection, and promote sustainable development. It is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, the nation's long-term strategy to diversify its economy and move towards a low-carbon future. The initiative aims to improve the quality of life and protect future generations within Saudi Arabia and beyond its borders.
The SGI integrates environmental protection, energy transition, and innovative sustainability programs to achieve a green future. It is designed to unify and amplify Saudi Arabia’s environmental efforts. The initiative has three main targets: reducing emissions, greening Saudi Arabia, and protecting land and sea.
The SGI's objectives include:
Reducing Emissions: The Kingdom aims to have 50% of its power generated by renewable resources by 2030. This involves initiatives such as reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing CO2; investing in sustainable renewable energy; becoming a leading producer of clean hydrogen; increasing energy efficiency; and transforming waste management.
Greening Saudi: The initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees. In 2022 alone, around 18 million trees were planted, and 60,000 hectares of degraded land were rehabilitated.
Protecting Land and Sea: The Kingdom has committed to protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. This objective aims to promote conservation efforts, enhance biodiversity, and implement sustainable fishing practices.
The SGI is also a catalyst for economic diversification and job creation in sectors like renewable energy and ecotourism. It is designed to align economic ambition with ecological mindfulness. The initiative involves over 85 innovative projects and an investment of over SAR 705 billion. The SGI also aims to expedite the Kingdom’s green transition, positioning it at the vanguard of the Circular Carbon Economy approach, which focuses on reducing, reusing, recycling, and removing carbon emissions.
The SGI is a collaborative effort involving government entities, the private sector, and international partners. It provides opportunities for partnerships through investment in green technologies, participation in environmental projects, and collaboration on research initiatives. The initiative is also working to increase the green space per capita in Riyadh from 1.7 to 28m², which is equivalent to 16 times the current level.
The SGI is a comprehensive plan to promote environmental conservation and sustainability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a model for other countries to follow in their efforts to build a sustainable future. The initiative is also designed to enhance international partnerships through knowledge-sharing and best practices that will impact the Kingdom and the world.