Nouakchott: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti affirmed that the environmental and economic transformations the world is witnessing necessitate treating the environment as an opportunity for development. He emphasized that environmental protection has become a fundamental pillar in building sustainable and balanced economies that enhance quality of life and support the comprehensive development process.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Mushaiti’s remarks came during a speech at the meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, hosted by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. He affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to joint Arab action to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development, noting that protecting natural resources has become a fundamental focus in building economies capable of growth and balance.

Al-Mushaiti pointed out that the Kingdom is leading prominent regional and international efforts through the Middle East Green Initiative, which has so far been joined by 30 Arab, Asian, and African countries. The initiative aims to plant 50 billion trees and restore 200 million hectares of degraded land. Furthermore, during its Group of Twenty (G20) presidency in 2020, the Kingdom launched the Global Land Initiative to rehabilitate one billion hectares of degraded land by 2040.