Experts discuss sustainable development of capital city

A workshop titled “Friendly Sustainable Environment” was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, as part of the activities of “A Day in Riyadh.”

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, made a visit to the event. He was received by Abdullah bin Yahya Al-Moallimi, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, and a number of senior officials.
Speaking at a session, Khalid Abu Al-Lief, a senior Saudi negotiator, discussed in detail the executive plan to implement the environmental rehabilitation for Wadi Hanifa. He said the plan has helped transform the valley into the biggest natural park that surrounds the neighborhoods and suburbs of the city.
Ibrahim Al-Shaye, a senior official at the environmental planning directorate, highlighted the developments in the environmental sector of the city. He listed the major challenges faced by the government in this regard, including structural waste, pollution and urban development of the city.
Al-Shaye reviewed features of the comprehensive strategic scheme for Riyadh, which included the transformation of the city into a modern oasis that suits the desert environment to achieve urban development in the heart of the desert.
David Qriqis, director of the sustainable institute at Monash University in Australia, presented a paper about the executive plan. The paper took into consideration the new developments in aspects related to the environmental situation in the city in light of the population growth.
The paper stressed the importance of applying modern applications and techniques to improve natural resources in the city, using them in a way that meets the needs of the current and coming generations.
He pointed out that the plan is divided into six main axes, including air quality, waste management, soil and water resources, management of natural resources, biodiversity, environmental protection, sustainable development and climate change. These axes, according to him, were divided into 51 programs and projects that are implemented by 17 bodies in the city.
George Stokton, a senior adviser, presented a paper about the rehabilitation project which contributed to environmental stability of Wadi Hanifa, and the launch of compensation mechanism, in addition to employing its resources to meet the city’s water needs, open areas, the development of its agricultural economy, and the development of its urban fabric.
He said the project bore fruit as it has turned the valley into the biggest natural park that surrounds the city, and has become an attractive area for investors.
Sara Ba’ashin, head of the negotiating team at the United Nations, discussed the importance of building environmental reservation around the world.
She highlighted the importance of unified efforts and the exchange of expertise in the field of protecting and developing the environment, especially in enhancing water resources, using clean energy, improving air quality and curbing urban effects on the environment. She said the Kingdom’s “Vision 2030” was focused on achieving these goals to reach a human-friendly environment, reported Al-Riyadh.

Source: Arab News