Saudi Arabia’s commitment to restoring ecosystem balance is highlighted through its Saudi Green Initiative, which addresses biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. The initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate land to promote sustainability. Emphasizing interconnectivity, the article outlines the socio-economic impacts of ecosystem imbalance and the urgent need for collective action to ensure healthy ecosystems.
The Saudi Green Initiative is addressing the critical issues of imbalanced ecosystems and biodiversity degradation that threaten the environment, economy, and society at large. Factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change contribute to these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for restoration efforts. Mohammad Qurban, CEO of the Saudi National Center for Wildlife, emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental systems, noting that damage in one area affects others. For example, desertification in mountainous regions can lead to harmful soil erosion, which subsequently pollutes marine ecosystems.
Qurban articulated the importance of understanding ecosystems as interconnected networks, stating, “The highest point of the mountain is connected to the deepest point in the ocean.” He further explained that environmental challenges can lead to species overpopulation and consequent resource depletion, destabilizing local ecosystems. To bolster ecosystem management, Saudi Arabia has pledged to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares by 2030 under its ambitious 30×30 initiative, aiming to protect significant portions of both terrestrial and marine environments.
Moreover, the repercussions of biodiversity loss extend beyond environmental impacts to economic and social consequences. Qurban illustrated this through a farmer’s concern over snake populations affecting soil health, revealing that removing snakes could lead to an increase in rodent populations, thereby disrupting the balance. The United Nations has identified a million species at risk of extinction due to human-induced environmental factors, underscoring the urgency of these issues.
Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, highlighted the need for balanced ecosystems to ensure reliable seasonal changes necessary for agriculture. She remarked, “Having a balanced ecosystem means the rains will come when we expect them to come, means the cold comes when it’s just right for our crops.” The interdependence of urban populations and ecosystems is also noteworthy, as urban dwellers may overlook their reliance on ecological systems for food and resources.
The financial implications of ecosystem imbalance are significant. For instance, in the Asir region, increasing baboon populations, stemming from the decline of Arabian leopard numbers, have hindered tourism and affected local economies. In contrast, the discussion at COP16 revealed that sustainable development’s cost varies based on specific local needs and private sector objectives, as mentioned by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed.
Despite the challenges, Saudi Arabia is advancing its environmental agenda, having announced five new sustainability projects valued at $60 million during COP16, bringing the cumulative investments of the Saudi Green Initiative to over $188 billion. However, addressing urban activities that inadvertently harm the environment remains vital for achieving overall sustainability goals. The unfortunate reality is that severe ecosystem imbalances may force communities to migrate in search of better living conditions, as articulated by Andersen, “If the ecosystem is so imbalanced that I can no longer farm… I have only one choice, and it has been the same for thousands of years, I will walk.”
The article focuses on the crucial need for restoring ecosystem balance in Saudi Arabia amid various environmental challenges. It highlights the efforts made under the Saudi Green Initiative to combat issues like biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and pollution, which are critical for the health of economies, societies, and wildlife. The focus is on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the implications of their imbalance, both in terms of environmental health and socio-economic stability.
In conclusion, restoring ecosystem balance is imperative for ensuring the health of the environment and sustaining human communities. The Saudi Green Initiative’s commitment to combat desertification and promote biodiversity through ambitious projects underscores the importance of these efforts. The interconnectedness of ecosystems reveals the far-reaching consequences of environmental neglect, affecting not just wildlife but also human populations and economies. Collaborative action and awareness of our reliance on natural systems are essential to foster a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
