Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Adaptation Actions with Mitigation Co-benefits

Presented by: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

source : http://www.iisd.ca/climate/cop21/enbots/

This event, moderated by Mohammed Al Hajri, Saudi Aramco, showcased GCC regional climate adaptation efforts through: habitat and water conservation, marine protection and urban planning.

Abdullah Al Suhaibani, Saudi Aramco, presented on the diverse ecology of the Arabian peninsula, stressing there are 67 different ecological areas in the region, that 15% of species are endemic and that 88% have not been evaluated. He explained major challenges include droughts, overgrazing, urbanization and off-road driving, and showcased conservation efforts in the Abqaiq wetland and the Shaybah dune habitat.

Carlos Duarte, Saudi Arabia King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust), considered mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes as three key global carbon sinks that had been overlooked until recently. He explained the term “blue carbon” is being used to help recognize and strengthen the key role of these ecosystems play in carbon sequestration.

Zaour Israfilof, SABIC, outlined the chemical company’s development of a risk management matrix, incorporating climate-related risks such as: costs due to low carbon technology requirements; physical assets affected by climate change; changing customer preferences; and national and international climate regulations.

Masoud Al-Marri, Director, Agricultural Research Department, Ministry of Environment, Qatar, considered plant genetic resources and climate change. He stressed that adapting crops to future climatic conditions is essential, and reported on the establishment of plant gene banks to improve preservation, knowledge and use of seed varieties for agricultural productivity and food security.

Abdelaziz Elmegbl, Arriyadh Development Authority, Saudi Arabia, presented on the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project, informing participants that it is the largest of its kind in the world. He noted roads currently represent around 37% of land use, with a low public transport rate of around 2%, and outlined plans for a new extensive, city-wide metro and bus system, noting it will be low-sulphur.

United Arab

Emirates

Bahrain Saudi Arabia Oman Qatar Kuwait

Mr. Mohammad Al Hajri KSA

Wastewater treatment Specialist at Saudi

Aramco.

Mr. Zaour Israfilof KSA

Climate Change Specialist at SABIC

Mr. Masoud J. Al-Marri Qatar

Director, Agricultural Research Department,

Ministry of Environment

Mr. Abdullah Al Suhaibani

KSA Environmental

Scientist at Saudi Aramco

Mr. Carlos Duarte KSA

Saudi Arabia King Abdullah University

of Science and Technology

Abdelaziz Elmegbl KSA

Arriyadh Development

Authority

Al Hajri presented on water management, saying Saudi Arabia is defined as a ‘severe water-scarce’ nation, with water consumption far exceeding renewable resources. He stressed country-wide actions, including: government plans to reduce water consumption; national provision of high-quality treated waste water for irrigation; and coupling renewable water resources with renewable energy.

The discussion considered: ways to improve rainfall harvesting; ways to improve renewable energy and biodiversity conservation into water desalination activities; and how the preservation of “blue carbon” could contribute to the region’s mitigation commitments.