Saudi Arabia Leads Participation in COP 16, Aligning with Vision 2030 and Global Biodiversity Goals

At the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 16) in Colombia, Saudi Arabia’s active participation underscored its leadership in global biodiversity conservation, especially within maritime ecosystems. The Kingdom received the prestigious ‘Green Status List’ award in recognition of its extensive progress in safeguarding biodiversity, a testament to its dedication to conservation, good governance, and tangible results. 

Saudi Arabia is among the first countries to fulfil its commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, establishing 22 national biodiversity targets aimed at restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems and protecting 30% of freshwater, marine, and coastal ecosystems by 2030. These targets, developed by the National Centre for Wildlife (NCW), were spotlighted in COP 16 preparatory meetings, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in environmental conservation. This agenda aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which includes environmental sustainability as a central pillar of its national development goals. 

As a prominent member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Saudi Arabia has shown commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, particularly in the Red Sea, which hosts unique yet vulnerable ecosystems under increasing pressures. By establishing marine protected areas and advancing sustainable fishing practices, Saudi Arabia’s initiatives align closely with global biodiversity targets set in the Kunming-Montreal Framework. 

On the side-lines of COP 16, a panel discussed “Exploring Finance Synergies for the Three Rio Conventions,” with Dr. Bradley Hiller from the Islamic Development Bank moderating. Panellist contributions, including those highlighting the recently launched RioTRIO Initiative – a partnership among the presidencies of UNFCCC COP 29 in Azerbaijan, CBD COP 16 in Colombia, and UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh – focused on innovative financing for environmental resilience. The RioTRIO Initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among the conventions on climate, biodiversity, and land, advancing sustainability and shared environmental objectives. Key insights on Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative underscored the nation’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges through comprehensive, regionally focused strategies. Joining the panel, experts from the European Investment Bank, UNCCD, and UNDP offered valuable perspectives on sustainable financing solutions. These discussions are set to continue at COP16 in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia will further highlight actionable approaches for combating land degradation and promoting ecosystem resilience. 

Saudi Arabia’s participation at COP 16 and its Green List recognition underscores its leadership in global conservation efforts, especially in maritime protection. By aligning biodiversity goals with the Kunming-Montreal Framework and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is emerging as a key player in the global movement to safeguard nature. At a time of accelerating biodiversity loss, Saudi Arabia’s approach offers a promising model for sustainable development and environmental resilience, setting an example for the international community.