Saudi Arabia/Saudi Green Initiatives: supporting sustainable development in a water-starved Middle East
Despite being considered the world's richest country in terms of natural resources, Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most water-scarce countries. While the global benchmark for absolute water scarcity is 500 cubic meters per capita per year, Saudi Arabia has just 89.5 cubic meters.
As long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns cause water bodies to dry up, Saudi Arabia and its neighbors face a common challenge: to ensure a reasonably good standard of living for their citizens and residents in the world's driest region.
To drive change, Saudi Arabia is playing a leading role in global forums, leveraging its influence within the G20 Intergovernmental Forum and the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting to highlight not only environmental concerns, but also regional expertise.
Nowhere is this more evident than at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28, currently taking place in Dubai, where Jean-François Gagne, head of the secretariat of the ministerial conference on clean energy, is in attendance.tariat of the Clean Energy Ministerial Conference, stressed the importance of regional coordination to advance ambitions in the fight against climate change.
"Saudi Arabia has the advantage of being at the G20 table, which enables it to play a leading role in bringing regional knowledge and environmental concerns to the international table. This is essential, as we need all regions of the world to progress together," Gagne told Arab News.
"When you have regional champions, it really helps ensure that no one is left behind in advancing our clean energy goals," he said.
At the same time, the Saudi public's perception of the challenges posed by climate change has changed significantly in recent times.
Ecolab's Watermark study, a global survey that measures consumer perceptions of water in 15 countries, indicates that Saudi consumers are highly aware, and are both concerned and optimistic about meeting climate challenges.
According to the study, which was launched in 2023, around 53% of Saudi consumers mentioned clean, safe water as an important environmental concern, while 80% recognized that water scarcity can be effectively addressed.
"Saudi consumers are right, and with a combination of strategies between government, business and industry, and the adoption of smart water technologies, water management, conservation and security can be addressed in a meaningful way," said Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab's senior vice president and market manager for India, the Middle East and Africa.
Saudi Arabia currently relies heavily on groundwater and desalination plants to meet its water needs, and with its rapidly growing population and industry, demand continues to rise.
Umiastowski pointed out that with groundwater levels continuing to fall and increased pressure on existing resources, a potential water crisis cannot be ruled out.
"The good news is that sustainable water management practices and solutions are available and can be implemented quickly and effectively," he explained to Arab News.
Ecolab's study revealed that, while a large majority of consumers believe that water scarcity can be remedied, around 74% believe that businesses and manufacturers need clearer guidance and plans.
In fact, around three quarters of Saudi consumers consider government leaders to be more concerned than business and non-profit leaders about the need to save water and climate change.
"This perception of water management from a consumer perspective shows the need for both urgent and more visible action by business and industry to strengthen sustainability measures," said Umiastowski.
Batoul Almutab, environmental, social and governance expert and founder of Incora Consultancy, says there are signs of change in the way Saudi consumers perceive climate change, as the Kingdom is actively working to raise awareness and promote sustainable behavior.
According to Almutab, this commitment is evident in the education system, where children learn about sustainable practices as part of the national curriculum. She also believes that the younger generation of Saudis is much more inclined to purchase items from brands that prioritize sustainability.
"In fact, 62% of Generation Z shoppers opt for sustainable brands, and 73% of them are willing to spend more on sustainable products," she reported to Arab News.
"While we haven't yet had a collective cultural awakening, future generations will spearhead this change," she opined.
Despite the many initiatives aimed at solving the problem of water scarcity in Saudi Arabia, Almutab believes there is still progress to be made.
"The country is one of the most water-stressed in the world. Its freshwater resources are limited and its consumption rates are high", she specified.
She lists the main causes of water scarcity in Saudi Arabia: rapid population growth, increased urbanization and extensive agricultural activities, all of which have strained available sources.
Fortunately, according to Umiastowski, it is possible to reduce water consumption, reuse it, make it more efficient and make it safer.
"From the consumer to business, industry and government, actions and solutions are possible. Awareness is certainly on the rise, and implementation has begun, but it needs to be accelerated quickly," he said.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salmane, announced last September that the Kingdom planned to create a global water organization based in Riyadh.
This initiative demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to global cooperation to address water scarcity issues and advocate responsible management practices.
Saudi Arabia has also made important commitments to address global water supply challenges. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones has launched the "Voluntary Commitment to Water Sustainability" initiative. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones has launched the "Voluntary Commitment to Water Sustainability" initiative, in line with the country's focus on improving water security for economic and social progress.
"These initiatives clearly demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing water security challenges at a national level, and to building on global lessons learned on how to effectively manage the source and quality of groundwater reserves of groundwater, to ensure resilience in a period of rapid social and economic growth," Daymion Jenkins, director of the Land and Environment practice at the Middle East branch of Canadian consultancy WSP, told Arab News.
The water law, part of Saudi Vision 2030, also sets out a series of key actions to address the challenges. These include centralizing ownership and licensing of the use and exploitation of water resources, as well as preparing a national strategy and emergency management plan for supply.
"As these policies and guidance develop, there will be a coherent plan to manage the risks associated with water integrity and supply. A great deal of technical work is required to develop these strategies, which are essential to address the potential water shortage in Saudi Arabia," explained Jenkins.
He points out that at least 40% of Saudi Arabia's water supply comes from groundwater and, in some cases, the reliability of these sources is essential.
Furthermore, over-extraction of groundwater could reduce its yield, posing problems for regions heavily dependent on this scarce resource to meet the needs of densely populated urban areas, farmland and industrial zones.
"Aquifers, which store and feed these groundwater sources, include shallow water bodies that have the capacity to recharge, and "fossil" water reserves of 'fossil' water, which are isolated in deep geological layers and constitute limited resources", clarified Jenkins.
A good example is northeastern Saudi Arabia, where water supply comes mainly from groundwater.
A better understanding of these aquifer systems and the implementation of effective management practices will make a significant contribution to aligning extraction rates with recharge rates in elevated areas. This alignment would in turn support their long-term viability and have a positive impact on overall water security, he illustrated.
In this context, Jenkins believes it is important to note that waste management underpins many environmental initiatives.
Programs aimed at reduction, recycling, efficient use of waste for green energy production and the promotion of a circular economy, where materials are beneficially reused, are crucial elements of this program.
"Saudi Arabia has set itself the target of diverting 82% of waste from landfill, with significant targets for recycling, composting and waste-to-energy. Effective and sustainable water and waste management will be a significant step forward in addressing key environmental issues," said Jenkins.
All things considered, there is little doubt that the Saudi Arabian government is actively pursuing multiple unconventional measures and initiatives to combat water scarcity.
These efforts encompass strict regulations and standards governing use, the promotion of applicable technologies and practices, and substantial investment in research and development aimed at promoting innovative solutions for water management.
"Saudi Arabia has the right tools to effectively tackle the problem of water scarcity," argued Umiastowski. "Through continued investment in research and innovation, public awareness and education, and collaboration with international experts, it can become more water-secure," he concluded.
Source: www.arabnews.fr
