The Kingdom highlighted the importance of enhancing international cooperation in the water sector and addressing global water challenges. This includes the necessity of implementing integrated water resource management to achieve sustainability, overcome water scarcity effects, and develop water resources. This was emphasized during the Kingdom’s participation in the “Water Value Society” forum held in Rome, Italy, to discuss Italy’s water sector challenges such as climate change impacts, declining groundwater levels, and the need to develop modern techniques to ensure water resource sustainability.
The Kingdom showcased its leading experience in integrated water resource management amidst challenging climate conditions, highlighting its achievements and expertise in this field. It highlighted the “abundance in scarcity” approach, successfully applied through innovative national strategies to achieve comprehensive water development.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Water, explained that Saudi Vision 2030 has placed significant emphasis on water resources, making sustainable water development an essential part of comprehensive development. He pointed out that the scarcity of water resources in the Kingdom necessitated the adoption of comprehensive strategies to improve water use efficiency, achieve a balance between supply and demand, enhance water sustainability. The National Water Strategy 2030 aims to develop alternative water sources, reduce reliance on non-renewable groundwater resources through desalination, improve distribution network efficiency, and reduce water loss.
Dr. Al-Shaibani noted that Saudi Arabia early on embraced the use of unconventional water sources like sea water desalination as a strategic option to address natural water resource scarcity, meet drinking water needs, and provide sustainable water sources. This has made Saudi Arabia the world’s largest producer of desalinated water. The Kingdom has taken steps to preserve water resources, such as implementing projects for reusing treated water, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors, to reduce pressure on non-renewable groundwater resources and enhance operational efficiency of water networks.
The Deputy Minister for Water highlighted Saudi Arabia’s international efforts in the water sector, participating in initiatives like the G20 and collaborating with relevant international organizations. He emphasized the significant investment opportunities available in the Kingdom’s water sector, especially regarding private sector support for water projects through partnerships, investment in advanced technologies, scientific research, and water infrastructure.
In conclusion, the forum commended Saudi Arabia’s experience in integrated water resource management and issued several recommendations to enhance water security in Italy. These recommendations included increasing investments in water infrastructure, activating good governance to ensure water resource sustainability, as well as coordinating and exchanging experiences between countries to develop more sustainable solutions for water resource management.
