ENG - UN CC:Learn

ARAB STATES
SAUDI ARABIA
MDGs
Progress Towards Environmental Sustainability
Protecting the environment and conserving natural resources have been
major objectives of Saudi Arabia’s national development strategy. These
priorities are motivated by the natural endowments of the Kingdom
which, with a landmass area of 2.25 million square kilometers, only 5% of this area is arable land, 1% forests, and1%
of irrigated land, while the remaining 93% is arid and semi-arid desert. Moreover, the Kingdom, which is richly
endowed with several natural resources, has always had to be cognizant of the relatively limited fresh water and
arable land resources.
Total per capita water consumption increased rapidly, from 669 cubic meters in 1985 to 1010 cubic meters in 2000, and
total consumption reached 21.1 billion cubic meters in 2000. It is estimated that 89.2% of water is consumed in agriculture, while
57.4% of the water supply comes from non-renewable deep aquifers. In light of this unsustainable trend, the Kingdom aims to
reduce water use in agriculture and ensure water conservation methods in all economic and social activities. Nevertheless, all residents
have access to safe water resources in both urban and rural areas.Where a public water network does not exist, water is transported
by tankers to private or community tanks, or drawn from local wells.
It is estimated that 90% of households had sustainable access to sanitation services in 2000, with 100% service coverage in urban
areas and 72% in rural areas. Currently, about 80% of the Kingdom’s population has access to modern infrastructure, utilities and
services, which is quite an achievement considering the vastness of the territory and the low average population density.
QUICK FACTS
CURRENT PORTFOLIO BUDGET
Total UNDP-GEF and Co-Finance: $350,000
Total UNDP and Co-Finance: $5,610,519
Total: $5,960,519
Environmental Awareness Targets Women and Children 2
Achieving economic diversification and a sustainable economic
path without dependence on oil income and other nonrenewable
resources remain major challenges for the Kingdom. However, rising
demand for basic services and infrastructure competes with
investments that need to be made in productive enterprises, making
the diversification objective difficult to attain. Encouraging
rational consumption and conservation of resources while simultaneously
diversifying government income will therefore continue to
constitute an ongoing challenge for achieving MDG 7 for environmental
sustainability in the Kingdom in the foreseeable future. 1
BIODIVERSITY
Collaboration between UNDP and the National Commission, along with community support and participation ensured the
successful implementation of this project. A stable institutional framework has been established and the successful operation
of the centre and its training programmes have led to the enhancement of national and regional capacity for biodiversity
conservation and the management of protected areas.
JORDAN
EGYPT
Jeddah
SUDAN
IRAQ
KUWAIT
IRAN
Dammam
BAHRAIN
QATAR
Medina Riyadh U.A.E.
OMAN
SAUDI ARABIA
Red
Sea
Mecca
YEMEN
Arabian
Sea
SPOTLIGHT
Lack of awareness of the Kingdom’s environmental issues has led to a new initiative in enhancing environmental awareness,
particularly among women and children. The creation of a centralized approach to biodiversity-related development and
advisory services, coupled with enhanced training and operational support in the country has prompted this environmental
focus.
UNDP participated in the Saudi Environmental Awareness Project and provided support to the Kingdom’s efforts through
specialized training in environmental protection. The US$ 1 million, 3-year project began in 2001 and was led by the National
Commission for Wildlife Conservation & Development. In addition, the Natural Resources Conservation Training Centre was
established to fulfil the need for enhanced national and regional capacity for biodiversity conservation and the management
of protected areas.
The new centre has provided training to numerous rangers, teachers, and housewives in environmental awareness issues.
Through the creation of new protected areas and awareness campaigns, women and children have become aware of the
importance of the environment and its protection. This project has also had a significant impact on the development of an
environmentally-focused school curriculum aimed at raising awareness among students. Public awareness campaigns targeted
women and children and ensured the principle of gender equality. The training centre has provided funding for special
female trainers and suitable premises exist according to the Kingdom’s accepted practices.
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