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RIYADH: A major regional effort to combat climate change gained momentum as 11 countries joined the Middle East Green Initiative during its first Ministerial Council session in Jeddah.
Led by Saudi Arabia, the initiative aims to address environmental challenges across the region and contribute to global climate targets. The session, attended by representatives from 29 countries and international organizations, underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering cooperation in environmental efforts.
In addition to the new regional members, the UK was welcomed as a non-regional contributor with observer status, according to a press release.
This comes as the council emphasized the critical role of these new members in achieving the initiative’s ambitious objectives. It also encouraged more regional and non-regional countries to participate, highlighting the importance of technical and financial support to meet both regional and global environmental goals.
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley highlighted the need for enhanced regional collaboration to protect the environment and boost food and water security, safeguard biodiversity, and preserve ecosystems.
During the inaugural session, the minister noted that the initiative represents a significant step toward improving regional governance in combating desertification, drought, and climate change challenges.
MGI’s key target is planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East, restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land. Saudi Arabia will plant 10 billion trees within its borders, while the remaining 40 billion will be planted across the region over the coming decades.