Environmental laws at Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect and sustain its environment, focusing on pollution control, resource conservation, and biodiversity preservation. Key components of this framework include:
General Environmental Regulation:
The Kingdom's General Environmental Regulation, issued under Royal Decree No. M/165 in 2020, serves as the cornerstone of environmental protection efforts. This law encompasses:
Pollution Control: Prohibitions against activities that pollute air, land, and water, including stringent regulations on hazardous, toxic, or radioactive waste.
Resource Management: Regulations governing the use, storage, and trade of natural resources, emphasizing sustainable practices and requiring permits for activities that may impact the environment.
Biodiversity Conservation: Measures to protect wildlife and their habitats, including restrictions on hunting and trade of endangered species, and the establishment of protected areas.
Institutional Framework:
Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA): This ministry oversees the implementation of environmental policies, including the issuance of permits for activities affecting the environment, and enforcement of environmental laws.
Environmental Compliance: MEWA ensures that projects comply with environmental standards, conducting environmental impact assessments and monitoring adherence to regulations.
Recent Developments:
Climate Commitments: Saudi Arabia has pledged to update its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for higher climate targets, including emission reductions, while maintaining its oil production capacity.
International Initiatives: The Kingdom hosted the UN Desertification COP16 summit in Riyadh, focusing on combating land degradation and drought, resulting in significant funding commitments for land restoration projects.
Environmental Challenges: Saudi Arabia acknowledges threats such as land degradation and desertification, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address these issues, which impact agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
These measures reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, aligning with its Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy while preserving natural resources for future generations.
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