News

Experts in environmental matters, participating in the First Saudi Conference on Environment, which took place in King Khalid University, within the period between 27 - 29 / 5 / 1437 AH, have emphasized the importance of the best exploitation and the preservation of natural resources, and the necessity of confronting environmental contemporary challenges, to be based on a framework of the sustainable development, that will maintain the balance between the environmental protection methods and the growth of the economy.

At its end, the Conference came up with some recommendations which includes the following: emphasizing the importance of the efficiency of the usages of energy, encouraging the use of clean energy, the use of solar energy to reduce gas emissions, and the effort to create economical alternative that can be applied, as well as the management of water resources, so as to facilitate obtaining it, and improving the efficiency of using it on farms and in urban areas. Other recommendations are, developing ways of preservation of water, spreading water awareness among all segments of societies, work on recycling treated water and using it in the safe areas, with a focus on the treatment of the industrial waste water. Additionally, the conference recommended supporting research and studies for the usage of biological and chemical treatments, promoting the use of modern technologies to enhance the sustainability of the natural resources, and the dissemination of scientific models to use it widely, especially in fertilizers, pesticides, and in all agricultural activities, such as conservation of forests and nature reserves, and pastures. Added to all the above recommendations are the need for the conservation of biodiversity and germplasm conservation, particularly for the endangered plant and animal species, with the establishment of gene banks, the increasing natural reserves, and the combating invasive species.

The conference called on King Khalid University to adopt an initiative to preserve wildlife and conservation of germplasm in Asir region, with the creation of a bank of genes for that purpose, in order to enhance the interest in marine environments, and in coastal areas, and to keep them so as to develop their resources, such as mangrove in the environment of the Red Sea.

The Conference also recommended the establishment of an integrated environmental monitoring stations for gases, plankton and soil, and also the provision of analysis laboratories specialized in residue pesticide and heavy metals, and in making sure of food, water and soil safety, while working on accessing to information, and on providing technical support to activate the role of research centers in the fields of desertification and drought, as all Arab countries are located in widespread dry areas.

The use of means and scientific applications such as remote sensing and geographic information systems for counting, and the management of natural resources, such as water resources, vegetation, desertification, as well as solid waste management, be seriously pursued. Also there should be serious attempts to reduce waste and environmental pollutants, and process them with chemical and vital methods, as well as to work on recycling waste of all kinds to reduce environmental pollution on one hand, and use it as an economic resource on the other hand, to encourage industries and those friendly to environment projects.

The Conference also stressed on the industrial, medical and hazardous waste management (hazardous materials), to spread awareness of the seriousness of such hazards, and to activate the application of legislation and regulations, in addition to creating interest in the safe mining in all stages - from the exploration to the exploitation - by putting in place the necessary legislation.

The Conference also recommended continuing such environmental conferences and forums where researchers, specialists and those interested in environmental issues come together to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Participants at the conference also called for strategic plans for environmental awareness, and for achieving the principle of effective community partnership between the components of society and its institutions, and to activate a set gathering for joint environmental work between the private sectors within the community system and the schools students.