JEDDAH: Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz, President of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME), said Sunday that the effects of climate change make it essential to focus on environmental issues. Prince Turki was speaking at the opening of the annual Gulf Environment and Sustainable Development Forum and an environmental exhibition organized on the sidelines of the event Sunday at the Jeddah Hilton. The two-day event, which focuses on the region's environmental sector, was organized by the Saudi Environmental Society under the patronage of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Water scarcity and other environmental stresses are expected to increase over the coming years through the impact of climate change, he said. “As Saudi Arabia continues with its rapid economic expansion, now is the time to ensure environmental considerations are strongly incorporated in projects to protect the environment for generations to come,” he said. “Waste management, recycling, water and waste water, environmental technologies, green buildings, clean and renewable energy are key areas of importance to the Saudi environment and they will have a particular focus here.” Prince Nawaf Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz, Executive Director of the Saudi Environmental Society said his organization appreciates the strong support of Prince Turki for this vital initiative and support from United Nations programs. The conference will see experts discuss environmental opportunities and strategies in key sectors, he said. Ali Al-Naimi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and Prince Saud Bin Thunayan Al Saud, Chairman Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, both emphasized the importance of good use of natural resources and protection of the environment. The meeting also provides a chance for people to meet decision-makers and experts in environmental technology from Sweden and the United Kingdom and other countries. The two European countries have pavilions, with companies from those countries looking to gain a foothold in the Saudi market and display their latest initiatives, international experience and expertise. The Swedish Pavilion includes companies such as ABB, Ericsson, and Midroc; companies from the United Kingdom including Choice Waste Management Ltd, Bio Systems Europe and Ecolutia Services. Strategic sessions start today and will touch on a range of environmental concerns, strategies and global comparisons, giving delegates a chance to hear from industry leaders about how the region aims to move toward sustainable development.
