Saudi Arabia is addressing ecosystem and biodiversity imbalances through the Saudi Green Initiative, which includes plans to plant ten billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares by 2030. Effective ecosystem management is vital as disrupted food chains can lead to wider environmental degradation. The government pledges to protect 30% of land and marine areas while facing global and economic challenges related to environmental preservation.
Saudi Arabia is actively addressing imbalances in ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity, which stem from factors such as habitat degradation and climate change. These challenges are pivotal to the country’s Green Initiative aimed at alleviating their environmental, economic, and societal repercussions. Notably, a decline in certain species can provoke food chain disturbances, leading to resource depletion and ecological disruptions. For instance, Mohammed Qurban, the CEO of the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, articulated that environmental degradation can trigger a chain reaction across ecosystems, affecting both terrestrial and marine environments.
As part of its commitment to ecosystem management, the Saudi government intends to plant ten billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land by 2030. The Kingdom aims to protect 30% of its land and marine territories under the 30×30 initiative, ensuring that ecological stability prevails. Mr. Qurban highlighted that disturbances within animal populations can have significant adverse effects; for example, the eradication of snakes from a farmer’s land could result in a rampant increase in rodent populations, further complicating local ecological balance.
The UN warns that human-led environmental changes place approximately one million animal and plant species at risk of extinction. Protecting biodiversity is essential to maintaining ecosystem resilience against external shocks, such as diseases and climatic changes. Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, remarked, “Having a balanced ecosystem means the rains will come when we expect them to come.” This illustrates the vital interconnections between ecosystems and the numerous services they provide.
Furthermore, imbalances in ecosystems can lead to economic burdens on governments due to the restoration costs involved. For example, Asir’s declining Arabian leopard population has led to a rise in the baboon population, to the detriment of local agriculture and tourism. The adverse effects of an unstable environment have compelled some agriculturalists to abandon their farms entirely.
Despite the perception that environmental protections are economically burdensome, some business leaders advocate for sustainable practices. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed of KBW Ventures emphasized that sustainable development solutions should be tailored to local circumstances to be effective and profitable for private sectors.
At COP16, Saudi Arabia announced multiple environmental projects under the Saudi Green Initiative, with a total investment exceeding $188 billion. However, it is essential to recognize that environmental degradation is a global concern, with urban activities often harming ecosystems while efforts to protect them continue. Ultimately, restoring ecosystem balance is crucial not only for preserving wildlife but also for ensuring the survival of human communities that rely on these ecosystems for food and resources.
The ongoing battle against ecosystem imbalance and biodiversity loss in Saudi Arabia is linked to Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. These issues have wide-ranging social, economic, and environmental consequences. As part of the Saudi Green Initiative, the government is seeking active measures to mitigate these challenges. Protecting biodiversity and restoring ecosystems are paramount for maintaining the stability of food systems and the health of societies. The interdependence of various species in an ecosystem underscores the importance of addressing these environmental concerns comprehensively.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing ecosystem imbalances through comprehensive initiatives and substantial investments is crucial for the sustenance of both natural resources and the populations that depend on them. The interconnectivity of various ecosystems exemplifies the urgent need for balanced environmental practices. By spearheading ambitious projects, the Kingdom aims not only to combat biodiversity loss but also to establish a resilient framework for sustainable development that aligns environmental health with socio-economic stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
