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Ƶ reaffirms commitment to coral reef protection at Red Sea forum

Ƶ reaffirms commitment to coral reef protection at Red Sea forum
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SHAMS CEO Khaled Asfahani said that the forum is part of ongoing efforts to preserve marine environments. (SPA)
Ƶ reaffirms commitment to coral reef protection at Red Sea forum
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SHAMS CEO Khaled Asfahani said that the forum is part of ongoing efforts to preserve marine environments. (SPA)
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Updated 10 September 2024

Ƶ reaffirms commitment to coral reef protection at Red Sea forum

Ƶ reaffirms commitment to coral reef protection at Red Sea forum
  • Forum coincides with the 38th International Coral Reef Initiative meeting
  • SHAMS CEO Khaled Asfahani said that the Kingdom has the capability to drive initiatives that bolster the protection of the Red Sea

JEDDAH: Ƶ has reiterated its firm dedication to protecting coral reefs and marine environments at the Red Sea Coral Reef Forum, held by the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea, known as SHAMS, in Jeddah from Sept. 9 to 13.

The Kingdom’s position is consistent with sustainable development objectives and is bound to solidify its global leadership in environmental conservation and natural resource preservation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The forum coincides with the 38th International Coral Reef Initiative meeting, which gathers a diverse group of experts, environmental scientists, decision-makers, university students, and marine environment enthusiasts.

SHAMS CEO Khaled Asfahani said that the forum is part of ongoing efforts to preserve marine environments, address the problems Red Sea coral reefs face, and discuss effective protection strategies.

He added that the forum also focuses on the need to develop joint projects to ensure environmental sustainability, promote the blue economy, and increase awareness about the importance of preserving marine environments to protect coral reefs in the Red Sea and beyond.

Asfahani said that the Kingdom has the capability to drive initiatives that bolster the protection of the Red Sea, making it a global example in marine environment conservation due to visionary leadership focused on environmental protection.

“SHAMS is dedicated to safeguarding the marine environment in the Kingdom, but its ambitions extend beyond borders,” said Asfahani.

He urged increased cooperation to protect marine ecosystems, both in the Red Sea and worldwide, with the aim of protecting natural heritage.

Asfahani stressed that the Red Sea holds vast potential and is a model of biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for millions of people.


KAUST authors new study on land degradation

KAUST authors new study on land degradation
Updated 14 August 2025

KAUST authors new study on land degradation

KAUST authors new study on land degradation
  • Saudi university’s blueprint also sets out to improve food security, social stability, biodiversity
  • Research recommends restoring degraded land through sustainable management practices

RIYADH: A recent study by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology designed a new blueprint to reduce the impact of land degradation worldwide.

The Saudi university is aiming to reverse the growing threat of land degradation, and improve food and water security, social stability, and biodiversity.

The study was published in the international multidisciplinary science journal Nature, and puts forward a number of solutions to reverse the trajectory of land degradation by 2050.

One of the recommended methods involves increasing production and consumption of seafood in order to reduce the pressure that agriculture places on land.

Another is to lower food waste by 75 percent — with the study noting that one-third of food produced is wasted at a cost of more than $1 trillion annually.

Finally, the study suggests restoring 50 percent of degraded land through sustainable management practices.

KAUST reported that food production is using up to 34 percent of the planet’s ice-free land, a number that could increase to 42 percent by 2050 if current situation continues.

Scientists proposed revising economic incentives, increasing food donations, and promoting smaller restaurant portions to preserve up to 13.4 million sq. km of land.

“Ƶ is already doing a lot in improving food waste and looking at land restoration, but can still benefit a lot from this if policymakers implement a few of these key recommendations,” Fernando Maestre, professor of environmental science and engineering at KAUST, told Arab News.

“These include promoting smaller restaurant meals, requiring supermarkets and hotels to donate or discount near-expiry food, requiring companies to publish waste-reduction plans, investing in cold-chain and community redistribution, and expanding sustainable seafood/seaweed options that deliver nutrition with very low land and water use.

“Cutting food waste with measures like these would ease pressure on the Kingdom’s scarce water resources and cut emissions, while improving food security and saving money,” Maestre added.

The study also emphasized the importance of sustainable seafood production, elaborating on how specific aquaculture policies could have the potential to lower the pressure on land resources and help reduce deforestation.

“By transforming food systems, restoring degraded land, harnessing the potential of sustainable seafood, and fostering cooperation across nations and sectors, we can ‘bend the curve’ and reverse land degradation,” Maestre said.

The study was carried out in collaboration with Aeon Collective and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.


KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities

KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities
Updated 14 August 2025

KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities

KSrelief provides critical relief to displaced, flood-stricken communities

DUBAI: Ƶ’s aid agency, KSrelief, has continued its humanitarian projects in Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Syria, the agency distributed 349 food parcels to displaced people in Daraa, while in Sudan it delivered 830 parcels to residents of Karari.

In Pakistan, KSrelief distributed 2,680 food parcels to communities affected by flooding, benefiting more than 16,000 people.

Meanwhile in Yemen, the agency continued its water supply and sanitation project in Hodeidah, pumping 1.5 million liters of water into the community. It also carried out 49 waste removal operations in camps for displaced people, benefiting 16,170 individuals.


Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children
Updated 14 August 2025

Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children

Charitable group Ensan’s schoolbag project targets 16k children
  • Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200

RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphan Care, Ensan, will provide bags this year for 16,007 students at 22 schools in the Riyadh governorate.

Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The money for the bags and stationary needs will be deposited into the bank accounts of parents and guardians.

Infographic posted by the group Ensan announcing the charitable organization's campaign for donations to its project/ (X: @ensanorg)

Ensan has other projects to help children including providing tutors, and transport to and from school. The organization also assists in getting young people scholarships, and admission to universities, colleges and specialized institutes.

Ensan has called on the public to assist with funding for their projects via the platform https://ensan.sa/ar/shop/170.
 


Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 
Updated 14 August 2025

Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 

Saudi Broadcasting Authority CEO honored 
  • Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi presented with the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Harthi, CEO of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority and president of the Saudi Media Forum, was recently honored with the 2025 Gratitude Award for Inspiring Leaders.

Presented by the Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Foundation for Excellence in Social Work, the award celebrates those whose vision and dedication have had a profound impact on their communities.

Commenting on the honor, Al-Harthi stated: “Giving is an intrinsic part of the Saudi identity, deeply rooted in a generous homeland and inspiring leadership.

“I am one of this nation’s people striving to serve it with all we have. We will continue to work tirelessly for as long as we live because our country deserves nothing less.

“Each of us has unique tools within our fields that must be dedicated to serving the nation, society, and humanity.”

Al-Harthi has built a distinguished career across print, broadcast, and digital media, earning both regional and international awards in recognition of his creativity and achievements in the media landscape.

He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives and launched major media projects, held leadership roles in prominent local and global media organizations, and contributed to organizing events and festivals that have significantly elevated the status of Saudi media both regionally and internationally.

The award underscores Al-Harthi’s dedication to serving society and inspiring a new generation of media professionals.
 

 


Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation
Updated 13 August 2025

Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince and Korean president discuss cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed ties between Riyadh and Seoul during a phone call with South Korea’s President Lee Jae-Myung on Wednesday.

During the call, they discussed “opportunities for cooperation in several fields” to achieve common interests and strengthen ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.