- Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through the Saudi Green Initiative and National Environment Strategy at the 28th Meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs in Bahrain.
- The Kingdom reported a fourfold increase in terrestrial and marine protected areas, a nearly 300% rise in waste recycling, over one million hectares of degraded land rehabilitated, and more than 180 million trees planted.
- Saudi Arabia has released more than 10,000 endangered wildlife species into the wild, strengthening its efforts to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems.
- The Middle East Green Initiative has attracted participation from 35 countries, while Saudi Arabia’s COP16 presidency resulted in 37 resolutions and initiatives focused on land restoration and drought resilience.
- More than 200 initiatives worldwide have joined the Riyadh Action Agenda, and Saudi Arabia has welcomed Egypt’s plans to host COP18 in 2028.
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed the importance of coordinated national, regional and international efforts to advance environmental sustainability. At the 28th Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Bahrain on October 14, 2026, Deputy Minister for Environment Dr. Osama Faqeeha highlighted progress under the Saudi Green Initiative and National Environment Strategy.
The reported achievements include expanding protected areas, increasing waste recycling, rehabilitating degraded land, planting trees and releasing endangered wildlife into the wild. These measures reflect the Kingdom’s efforts to protect natural resources, restore ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity conservation.
The Kingdom also highlighted regional cooperation through the Middle East Green Initiative, which has attracted participation from 35 countries. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in Riyadh resulted in 37 resolutions and the launch of initiatives including Business4Land and the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership. More than 200 initiatives worldwide have joined the Riyadh Action Agenda to address land degradation and strengthen drought resilience. Saudi Arabia also welcomed Egypt’s plans to host COP18 in 2028 and confirmed its readiness to host the next meeting of GCC environment ministers.
For businesses, these developments highlight the relevance of biodiversity conservation, waste management, land restoration and resource efficiency to corporate sustainability planning. Assessing environmental impacts and incorporating environmental considerations into operations and supply chains can help organizations identify improvement opportunities, manage risks and align business practices with regional sustainability priorities.
Cognitud supports organizations in developing ESG strategies, assessing environmental impacts and integrating sustainability into business operations and supply chains. Through its expertise in circular economy, nature-based solutions and climate action, Cognitud helps businesses identify environmental improvement opportunities and connect sustainability initiatives with broader organizational objectives.
