First “Green Mideast Initiative” Session Launched with Kuwait’s Participation

JEDDAH: The inaugural session of the Ministerial Council of the "Green Middle East" initiative commenced on Wednesday in Jeddah, chaired by Saudi Arabia and featuring significant involvement from Kuwait, represented by the Acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority, Samira Al-Kandari. According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Kandari expressed Kuwait's commitment to the initiative, which focuses on enhancing regional cooperation to combat land degradation, promote sustainable management of vegetation, and reduce environmental contamination. The initiative marks a significant step towards a sustainable future for the region by aiming to increase green areas and manage emissions effectively. Al-Kandari highlighted several projects already underway in Kuwait that align with the goals of the initiative, including the expansion of natural reserves, large-scale mangrove plantations, the establishment of a grain bank, and efforts to reclaim deteriorated soils. She confirmed Kuwait's endorsement of the i nitiative's charter, emphasizing the country's proactive approach to environmental conservation and sustainability. The "Green Middle East" initiative, initially launched by Saudi Arabia in March 2022, aims to plant up to 50 billion trees across the Middle East and support regional efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In November 2022, Saudi Arabia announced a $2.5 billion funding allocation to support the initiative's ten-year operating budget and established its secretariat general in Riyadh.