Land Resources Management and Investment Study:

MAW completed a study of the land resources of the Kingdom which included the following:

A. Definition and identification of agricultural climatic regions and land resources units.

B. Assessment of vulnerability of these units to the risks of degradation, erosion, salinization, and inundation, which range from light to high risk.

Under this study, the Kingdom is divided into 3,176 terrestrial units shown on maps of a scale of 1:500,000 and contained in an atlas of land resources which was recently published. Data on the characteristics, specific negative factors, risks, and areas of each terrestrial unit are collected in a computer database (attached is a list of the elements of this database).

The maps are being entered into the computer in order to prepare a comprehensive geographical information system (GIS). MAW plans to conduct detailed studies of cultivated areas with the aim of establishing the negative factors which determine the production of crops, identifying the environmental hazards, and monitoring land degradation with a view to making recommendations which include appropriate farming methods and standards that serve optimal and sustainable utilization of soil and water resources. This program includes identification of areas affected by degradation on maps of a scale of 1:50,000.

The detailed study of cultivated land aims at establishing suitability of various locations for different types of utilization, and will in turn assist in making recommendations on appropriate farming methods with a view to sustainability and increase of production from available utilization options taking into account economic and social variable factors.

National Parks:

A number of national parks have been established such as Asir National Park, an area of 450,000 hectares, in the Asir Highlands; the Al-Hasa National Park, an area of 4,500 hectares; and the Sa'ad National Park, east of Riyadh along the highway to Dammam, an area of 300 hectares planted with suitable trees and supplied with all necessary services. There are new projects for converting suitable areas into national parks such as Al-Baha, Thumama, Hurayymila, Haysiyya, and Najran.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Water takes charge of :

- implementation of economic plans and programs for agriculture.

- water development.

- desalination, irrigation, conservation of scarce water, fisheries, animal resources and locust control.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No Information.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

Development of Forestry Vegetation Cover

1.Issue of regulations and legislation:

The following was achieved in this respect:

A. The Forest and Rangeland Regulations were issued by Royal Decree Number M/22 dated 3/5/1398 H.

B. The Ministry of Agriculture and Water (MAW) issued Executive Regulations for the Forest and Rangeland Regulations Number 11/3081 dated 23/5/1398 H, which is concerned with "protecting the vegetation and the land of forests and rangelands, and regulating their use and utilization."

C. MAW and the Ministry of the Interior issued regulations on 2/7/1399 H, to control violations and institute penalties on violators of the Forest and Rangeland Regulations.

D. Royal Order Number 1182/8 dated 5/7/1405 H, was issued to provide for the conservation of forestland and the prevention of any person laying claim to such land.

E. Royal Order Number 4/3620/M dated 5/7/1407 H, was issued to regulate exploitation of sand and pebbles.

2. Survey and inventory of forests:

MAW initiated a survey and inventory of forests by recruiting a specialized company to carry out aerial photography of 70,000 square kilometers of the southwestern part of the Kingdom. Aerial photography and interpretation will shortly be completed for the rest of the natural forest areas.

3. Guarding:

More than 150 forest wardens have been appointed to control forest areas and report any violations in order that the competent authorities can carry out the procedures provided for in the Forest and Rangeland Regulations.

4. Afforestation:

Trees have been planted in 53 locations of degraded forestland in various areas of the Kingdom in addition to particular afforestation locations for fixing sand dunes. Treated sewage water (wastewater) has been used for irrigation of certain afforested locations in Taif and is being utilized in Riyadh and other areas. Water from dams is currently being used for irrigating certain afforested areas.

5. Nurseries for forestry saplings:

MAW has established 30 forestry nurseries in various areas of the Kingdom, with an annual production capacity of about 1,000,000 saplings. The capacity of these nurseries can be increased as needed to produce saplings which are suitable for the various environments of the Kingdom.

6. Education and training:

MAW has been training specialized technical staff in forestry and afforestation by availing opportunities to numerous employees to attend specialized courses. The MAW also approached the Ministry of Higher Education to open a Department of Forestry and Rangelands at King Saud University for granting a bachelor's degree in order to meet the increasing need for such specialization. This program will be launched in the coming academic year, 1997-98.

7. Constraints facing development and protection of forestry resources:

Forests in Saudi Arabia are considered one of the renewable natural resources that play an important role in the ecosystem of the Kingdom in view of its extensive area and diverse environment. This renewable natural resource provides protection to such areas by preserving the soil from water and wind erosion. It also helps in the distribution of water and control of its flow, and consequently the increased moisture in the soil. In addition, forests have economic, recreational, scenic, tourist and climatic moderating values. The most important problems facing the development and protection of this resource are the following:

A. Harsh environmental conditions:

Among the constraints and determining factors which restrict expansion in the forestry development program particularly in increasing the afforested areas, are the location of the Kingdom in the dry desert belt whose climate is characterized by scarcity of rain, dominance of drought throughout the year, high temperatures especially in summer, and lack of adequate quantities of water or rivers.

B. Felling of trees and shrubs:

People in the Kingdom traditionally use wood and charcoal for heating in winter and cooking on (special ) occasions. This is still the custom in spite of the availability of electricity, (butane) gas and other petroleum derivatives at token prices. Felling living trees for the above purposes has caused shrinkage of acreage covered by natural trees and shrubs. To regulate or restrict this process, MAW introduced a licensing system for utilization of dry (dead) plants (for obtaining firewood, for producing charcoal, or for transporting either of these). The impact of these new regulations is evident, as a result of public awareness campaigns on the importance of maintaining trees and shrubs, as well as applying penalties for violators. There are still unlicensed operations of felling and transporting trees and shrubs. Efforts of the agencies concerned should be stepped-up and coordinated to apply this regulation in order to adhere to the rules which aim at protecting natural vegetation resources from extinction.

C. Urban expansion in forest areas:

Expansion of residential masterplans due to the development boom in the Kingdom, particularly in the southwestern region, caused an overlap of forest areas and urban planning of towns, villages and residential centers, and removal of extensive areas of forest for such purposes.

D. High cost of re-forestation of areas which had lost their natural vegetation cover:

Scarcity of water, low soil fertility, high temperature, and low rainfall have all contributed to shrinkage of afforested areas and suitable imported species or similar local species are needed to compensate for lost trees. Provision of all or part of these conditions requires allocation of adequate amounts of money.

E. Shortage of forestry specialists:

The number of forestry specialists is considered very low relative to the programs to be implemented in this area, such as the inventory of forest areas, or the evaluation, development or monitoring of such activities.

Development of Rangeland Vegetation Cover:

1. Establishment of large and small enclosures:

MAW established 24 enclosures, each with an area ranging between 250 donums and 87,000 donums. Some of these enclosures are designed for rangeland and environmental studies and others as reserves for natural fodder to be opened up for grazing in years of drought. Conservation of such rangelands led to noticeable improvement in vegetation cover and pasture productivity.

2. Construction of animal feed silos:

MAW constructed 14 silos (warehouses) each with a capacity of about 12,000 tons, distributed over various regions of the Kingdom, in order to store animal feed for distribution whenever needed as part of a plan to create the necessary feed reserve to address years of drought. The total storage capacity of these silos is 168,000 tons of feed. This quantity is adequate to preserve the life of about 3.7 million head of sheep for three months during years of drought (assuming that a head of sheep needs daily one half of a kilogram of enriched feed and some coarse fodder to preserve its life). By establishing such silos and rangeland enclosures, MAW will have insured part of its fodder requirements and protected its livingstock wealth against the risks of drought.

3. Rain and flood water spreading and distribution over rangelands: MAW is engaged in constructing earth embankments and dams in order to spread and distribute surface runoff water over rangelands with the aim of developing vegetation cover and improving the quantity and quality of their pasture production. It has constructed 32 storage and diversion dams on the major wadi (valley) courses. The height of such dams ranges between 2.5 and 4.0 meters, serving an area of about 18,000 donums. MAW also constructed a network of small earth embankments with a height ranging between 75 cms and 150 cm (0.75 to 1.5 meters) along the contour lines perpendicular to the general slope of the area in question (sic). More than 600 contour earth embankments have been c-constructed with a total length of about 200 kilometers, serving an area of 200,000 donums. The construction of such embankments has noticeable improved the vegetation cover of the areas concerned.

4. Cultivation of degraded rangeland

MAW imported about 18,000 kilograms of seeds of 52 different species of trees, shrubs, and perennial grass from Australia, USA, Chile, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt and Tunisia. Seeds of trees and shrubs were planted while grass seed were sown in two ways:
- seed broadcasting and covering after soil preparation
- seed drilling (row sowing) along contours

The total cultivated acreage is about 100,000 donums in 16 areas. Degraded rangelands have improved noticeably.

5. Establishment of stations for propagation of local range plant seeds:

MAW established stations for propagation of species of local range seeds in order to produce adequate sees for various programs. A seed production station has been established at Buseita in the northern part of the Kingdom, where 22 species of perennial range seeds have been planted, which produce about 4 tons of range seeds annually. Two other stations are under construction, one at Shagra in Al-Washam, and the other Qat'a Al-Murshid in Abha. Plans are underway to establish a fourth station at Zahran in the southern part of the Kingdom.

6. Bank for seed and plant genetic strains:

The National Center for Agriculture and Water Research in collaboration with departments and research centers of the Ministry and other scientific institutions in the Kingdom are establishing a bank for collecting and keeping seeds and genetic plant strains in the Kingdom with a view to utilizing them in the development of species and varieties to be grown as well as for the development of both rangeland and forest natural plant cover.

7. Protection of meadows:

Certain meadows which are characterized by particular plant cover have been enclosed and protected against the entry of vehicles. Their plant cover is being developed with a view to preservation of biological diversity and creation of recreational areas for the citizens.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Water takes charge of :

- Implementation of economic plans and programs for agriculture.

- Water development.

- Desalination, irrigation, conservation of scarce water, fisheries, animal resources and locust control.

See also under "Status Report" , 1. Issue of Regulations and Legislation.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: See under "Status Report."

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

International Convention to Combat Desertification in Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa

* Saudi Arabia acceded on 25 June 1997.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Water takes charge of :

- Implementation of economic plans and programs for agriculture.

- Water development.

- Desalination, irrigation, conservation of scarce water, fisheries, animal resources and locust control.

- MAW is currently preparing a national strategy and action program for desertification control.

- MAW is about to prepare a booklet on the Kingdom's efforts in the area of desertification control.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:

Desertification:

1. An international workshop was held on sustainable use of rangelands and desertification control on November 3 to 6, 1996, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IýFAD).

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

1. Decision-Making Structure: No Information.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No Information.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development:

1. Most important achievements:

Practical and tangible measures have been taken in realizing the recommendations of Agenda 21 as follows:

- the development of infrastructure for agricultural services and their support by specialized staff,

- the development of human resources working in the agricultural sector through intensification of training, public awareness campaigns, extension services and organization of agricultural exhibitions;

- the development of mass media means and updating of agricultural information methods with a view to gaining the confidence of recipients;

- encouragement of various research projects in areas of agriculture and maintaining continued and close cooperation with research agencies in the Kingdom;

- maintenance of degraded agricultural land by restricting improper use of soil through encouragement of growing diversified food crops, adoption of agricultural crop rotation, construction of draining systems, improvement of crop characteristics by controlled use of fertilizers, containment of soil erosion, monitoring of the problems of salinity and waterlogging, construction of dams, and control of desertification;

- encouragement of the use of modern means of irrigation which are widely used particularly in areas with limited water resources, and giving support to projects which are based on modern irrigation technologies;

- establishment of national companies for marketing and development of, and control systems for, domestic markets, support for agriculture exports, monitoring the supply and demand sides of agricultural products and surplus, as well as support for establishment of various agricultural industries;

- use of integrated agricultural pest control by introducing pesticide substitutes such as biological, mechanical, legislative and pest-resistant varieties of control techniques, in order to maintain environmental equilibrium, an example of this being implementation of a current successful program for control of red insects on date palms in certain parts of the Kingdom whereby the integrated control approach has produced good results, with emphasis placed on application of preventive safety measures with respect to pesticides through proper optimal storage, use and disposal of waste as well as paying attention to the health of agricultural workers, public and environmental health; under higher leadership directives, there is noticeable joint activity among a number of government agencies for the investigation and study of limiting the use of pesticides and disposal of hazardous waste, and national networks, database as well as autonomous and specialized agencies will be established for monitoring environmental pollution by pesticides and their hazards to public health;

- reclamation of new agricultural land after assessment and establishing suitability for agricultural utilization. Such land will be allotted free of charge to persons capable of investing in it;

- participation in activities of committees, conferences and symposia organized by local agencies and international organizations related to enhancement of agricultural production, protection of the environment, national safety and control of illegal trade in pesticides.

2. Constraints and difficulties:

- slowness in the steps of coordination among various government agencies regarding creation of an advanced common database particularly in the area of chemical materials;

- shortage of specialized staff, particularly executive branches in contact with the rural sector;

- lack of completeness in appropriate service facilities (structures and equipment) in executive branches;

- research studies that are not keeping pace with existing and planned activities;

- shortage of available national labor force in the area of agricultural production and difficulty of dealing with and relaying information to transitory expatriate labor.

3. Proposed recommendations for action and priorities for the future:

- enhancement and expansion of the capabilities of research centers with a view to increasing their ability to find effective solutions to the problems associated with the existing agricultural development such as extracting plant strains which are resistant to certain ineradicable agricultural diseases and pests as well as improving their chemical and biological resistance;

- acceleration of establishing an advanced data base which facilitates not only research and the implementation and monitoring of activities related to agricultural production and marketing as well as various environmental affairs, but also production of information regarding toxic chemical materials;

- paying more attention to the support of executive branches, supplying them with trained human resources and completing their equipment which will improve their services;

- finding a system to do away with traditional systems of irrigation and encourage use of modern technology systems of irrigation;

- enhancement of research on safe alternatives to agricultural pesticides and encouragement of environmental less harmful pesticides and fertilizers;

- acceleration of applying national safety programs in order to find appropriate rules for use, storage, transport and disposal of toxic and hazardous chemical materials; and

- encouragement of exchange of visits and experiences with technically advanced countries in the areas of non-chemical control and use of training possibilities provided by regional and international cooperation programs.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Water takes charge of :

- Implementation of economic plans and programs for agriculture.

- Water development.

- Desalination, irrigation, conservation of scarce water, fisheries, animal resources and locust control.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: See under "Status Report."

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

National Parks:

A number of national parks have been established such as Asir National Park, an area of 450,000 hectares, in the Asir Highlands; the Al-Hasa National Park, an area of 4,500 hectares; and the Sa'ad National Park, east of Riyadh along the highway to Dammam, an area of 300 hectares planted with suitable trees and supplied with all necessary services. There are new projects for converting suitable areas into national parks such as Al-Baha, Thumama, Taif, Hurayymila, Haysiyya, and Najran.

Convention on Biological Diversity No Information.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

No Information.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

1. Decision-Making Structure: No Information.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No Information.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

1. Decision-Making Structure: No Information.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No Information.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

Sustainable Utilization of Marine Resources:

The most important achievements of the fisheries sector with respect to Agenda 21 are the following:

1. conservation of fish stock

- identification of fishing means and equipment in a manner that would not negatively impact the fish stock, the most important being determination of appropriate mesh size of all nets used in the waters of the Kingdom in order to allow small fish and other marine creatures to escape;

- development of the traditional fishing sector and modernization of fishing means by use of engines for propelling boats as well as improvement of material for boatmaking, provision of soft loans and increase in the awareness of fishermen;

- identification of periods for banning the catch of certain types of fish and shrimps in order to protect them from depletion as has been the case during the period of banning for the catch of shrimps and both najil and taradi fish;

- temporary suspension of the issue of new fishing licenses or registration of new means of fishing to prevent increased fishing from causing deterioration of fish stocks as has happened in certain countries;

- establishment and development of fish farms have been completed in marine coastal areas and inland water bodies in order to alleviate pressure on certain economic species of the fish stocks which are amenable to farming, with 98 projects currently licensed for fish farming;

- prohibition of disposal of solid waste and effluents in sea water, except in coordination with the relevant competent authorities;

- identification of certain environmentally sensitive marine zones has been completed and these have been made into protected areas in order to conserve places of propagation, growth and nursing of fry and other marine life;

- completion of studies which aim at replanting various coastal areas of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf with mangrove plants due to their effective environmental importance, mangroves being considered the most suitable environment for the propagation, growth and nursing of fry and other marine creatures, in coordination with the National Parks Directorate and SWCC. A specialized expert has been recruited to oversee the replanting of the mangroves;

- surveys have been conducted to identify suitable coastal land for fish farming with a view to sustainable development, including about 10,000 hectares in the area between Jeddah and the southern borders of the Kingdom. Some plots are to be distributed to investors and two large projects are being implemented for this purpose at certain locations. During the survey, ecologically sensitive as well as nursing and feeding grounds were identified.

2. MAW, in cooperation with SWCC through the Jubail Station, monitors the marine environment regularly, follows any changes as a result of pollution, and gives early warning.

3. In order to conserve important coastlines and restore to their natural state those affected, MAW protected shrimp hatching and feeding areas in the Arabian Gulf and in the area of Gizan and the Red Sea. Fishing is banned in the Arabian Gulf from January to the beginning of August, and on the Red Sea from March to August. Both najil and taradi fishing was banned for two consecutive years during the time of propagation, and only this year has this ban been lifted

in order to determine the impact of such protection.

4. Strains of certain freshwater fish have been enhanced and acclimatized to living in sea water, and subjected to propagation and breeding, and licenses have been issued to projects for commercial fish farming. Artificial propagation of certain species of shrimp has been successful for improvement of genetic characteristics. Certain species such as nimr and abyyadh shrimps have been released into the sea in order to revive stocks of them. A study has been prepared for re-stocking the Arabian Gulf with shrimp through the establishment of incubators.

5. To encourage environmentally-sound technology, MAW has prohibited and banned all indiscriminate activities of catching fish and other aquatic creatures, such as the use of toxic chemicals and electric shock; designated appropriate mesh sizes fo nets, in order to protect small fish; and promoted the use of modern fishing techniques which ensure protection and effective catches designed to reduce secondary fishing and wastage of fish, in addition to the use of modern marine farming systems which take the environment into consideration.

6. MAW has set up environmental protection measures designed to restrict the handling of living fish with a view to protecting fish stocks and the marine environment, and to ensure the safety and quality of the Kingdom's fish products.

7. Within the general plan for increasing efficiency, the Ministry trained and sent on scholarships, a number of its staff; three have obtained doctorate degrees, and five masters' degrees, in addition to the many who attended specialized training courses.

8. For sustainable conservation and utilization of living marine resources under national jurisdiction, MAW established the Saudi Fisheries Company. This is a joint stock company 40 percent of whose shares are owned by the State, and the major part of its interest is in marketing. In record time, Saudi Fisheries had set up 52 outlets for the sale of fish and other marine products. These outlets are designed to the highest standards, where seafood is handled under appropriate environmental conditions that ensure the quality of the product.

9. MAW has also encouraged Saudi businessmen to invest in industrial fishing projects, and support services on the eastern and western coasts of the Kingdom. At present, there is a total of 7,312 fishing boats, and 2,069 fishermen, in addition to the 11,772 expatriate laborers working on these boats.

Future plans

1. Completion of updating the regulations for fishing, investment and protection of living aquatic resources.

2. Completion of updating the strategies designed for the development of fish resources and farms, and the sustainable protection of their natural environment.

3. Completion of coastal surveys and study of pollutants in the coastal environment with the aim of optimal management of such zones.

Research / studies on the Marine Environment:

Research conducted under environmental studies can be listed under the following broad categories:

- Collection of basic data on habitats studies including complementary data on physical, chemical and hydrographical criteria.

- Studies monitoring pre- and post-construction/operation of facilities.

- Studies related to oil spills.

The company has started the preparation of a number of environmental research/studies in collaboration with local universities and private institutions. Most of these studies are related to the marine environment and are being prepared within the framework of a continuing research project in Saudi Aramco in collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). Below is an overview of the two phases of this project, which have been recently been completed.

- Saudi Aramco Continuing Research Project:

Marine Environmental Studies - Phase I, 1984-1989:

This project covered long-term environment research on certain parts of coastal bays and off-shore areas along the western part of the Arabian Gulf. These studies determined the relative importance of biological creatures. A map was produced on the habitats of living creatures and their quantitative contribution to the local marine ecosystem with particular reference to fishing and the impact of filling and drainage (land reclamation) on these creatures. Oceanographic studies were utilized for the development of a database for the region, preparation of hydrodynamic models to uncover pollution and actual developments that occur in oceans. The final report of the project is composed of 11 parts detailing the research conducted during the period 1984- 1989.

- Saudi Aramco Continuing Research Project:

Marine Environment Studies - Phase II, 1990 - 1994:

This project is an extension of the previous continuing research project. The main objectives of these studies are the monitoring of the impact of measures taken by Saudi Aramco with a view to reducing the expenses of the environmental study, the time needed for completion of specific site assessments, future development of the hydrodynamic models, and pollution transfer models. Other tasks included the assessment of changes in the beaches due to filling, monitoring changes related to factors such as oil spills, dredging in coral reefs, producing a detailed map of the habitats of living creatures in the Kingdom's coastal areas along the Arabian Gulf, and designing a model of sedimentation action in the Arabian Gulf. The final report of this project has recently been completed, and it contains 10 parts covering study activities over the four years.

- Saudi Aramco Continuing Research Project:

Marine Environment Studies - Phase III, 1994-2000:

Phase III of the marine environmental study is composed of a number of elements designed to meet and address the projected environmental needs before they become major problems requiring high cost. This project will allow for continuity of research on the probable impact of Saudi Aramco operations on the marine environment and allow for conducting research in new areas including identification of primary productivity, studies on the effect of pollution on living creatures, and studies on environmentally-sound methods of disposal of the (waste)-water produced.

- Studies on the marine environment:

Preparation of maps of the habitats of living creatures:

Maps of the habitats of living marine creatures in most of the Arabian Gulf coast have already been prepared. These maps cover areas to a depth of 10 meters, and identify sensitive and productive habitats including mangroves, coral reefs, seabed grass, and mud layers. These maps help in assessing priorities for the protection of the coastline and the habitats of living creatures, and identifying the location of resources during oil spill accidents. Such maps are important for the preparation of environmental impact assessments.

- Research on the impact of dredging:

These research studies aim at assessing which short-term or long-term impacts result from dredging activities during the development of certain coastal facilities. Results indicate that the impact of dredging on the marine environment has generally been a short-lived phenomenon on adjacent areas unaffected by dredging.

- Studies on transplanting mangrove trees:

Very successful studies have been conducted on transplanting mangrove saplings to another type of soil. These trees were propagated in certain areas and produced another generation of plants. One of the objectives of the study is to verify the possibility of rehabilitating mangrove trees in areas affected by oil spills, dredging and in-filling.

- Coral reef studies

Thirteen species of Arabian Gulf coral have been studied to determine the natural and human impact on this important, highly productive ecosystem. In addition to photographing coral quadrants, cross-sections of fish and large invertebrates

are also continually studied.

- Minerals traces in Arabian Gulf deposits:

These studies are conducted to investigate the distribution of traces of minerals in deposits collected from the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf. Water samples have also been collected and analyzed. One of the main objectives of this project is identifying areas with high concentrations of such minerals and determining the primary reasons for this phenomenon.

- Study of fungal life:

Traces of minerals and content of organic pollutants on shellfish collected from most of the western coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf have been studied. This study has presented a continuing and economical method of assessing the impact of industrial facilities located along coast areas on the marine environment of the Gulf.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

* The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) was signed by Saudi Arabia on 07 December 1984, and ratified on 24 April 1996.
* The Implementation of Part 11 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1984) : Saudi Arabia acceded on 24 April 1996.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Water takes charge of :
- Implementation of economic plans and programs for agriculture.
- Water development.
- Desalination, irrigation, conservation of scarce water, fisheries, animal resources and locust control.
See under "Status Report."

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: See under "Status Report."

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

Protection of Quality and Supply of Fresh Water Resources:

1. Rationalization of water usage:

The following has been achieved with respect to rationalization of water usage through public awareness and use of economic mechanisms:

A. In application of Royal Order Number 3/B/6096 dated 21/4/1401 H, concerning the necessity for rationalization of water consumption, MAW undertook the following:
- published and distributed booklets, bulletins, and posters addressing all classes of society;
- prepared and distributed various sizes of annual calendars carrying statements on the rationalization of water consumption;
- educated and instructed farmers on optimal modern agricultrual methods through encouraging the use of drip irrigation, lined canals, high-efficiency irrigation equipment, and exclusion of all equipment and machinery which are proven to be less useful in saving water;
- accelerated the rationalization of water consumption through television and radio programs;
- drew up contracts with a number of specialized advertising companies for launching awareness campaigns on the rationalization of water usage by displaying large-size billboards (15 x 4 meters) mounted on 9-meter high posts and located along major roads in most towns of the Kingdom as well as displaying posters at intersections of major roads and using electronic screens, with public transportation buses being used in more than 25 towns as a means for displaying posters carrying messages urging optimal usage of water, and continued and intensive work in implementation of water consumption program to go on throughout the Sixth Five-Year Plan; annual expenditure on public awareness is estimated at about SR 3.5 million.

B. Adopting the concept which calls for usage of economic mechanisms and treatment of water as an economic commodity, water pricing for household purposes has been updated and restructured into brackets whereby the unit price of a cubic meter increases with the increase of consumption.

C. MAW took a number or steps aimed at conservation of water and rationalization of its consumption through limiting the cultivation of certain crops with high water requirements such as grains and fodder, in such a way that production should not exceed self-sufficiency in basic crops.

D. During the past year, 1416 H, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) held a symposium attended by more than 150 specialists from the Kingdom and abroad, on the experience of Japan in re-use of water. The Corporation actively participates in GCC committees, in particular the committee on rationalization of water and electricity consumption, as do representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Electricity, and from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs (MOMRA); this year (1417 H) there will be a symposium in the Sultanate of Oman on water loss from networks as one way of conserving water.

2. Training:

With respect to specialized labor force and intensification of training in the area of fresh water, a large number of specialists from MAW participated over the past years in scientific conferences, symposia, and training sessions inside the Kingdom and abroad. SWCC also trained a large number of its employees and new recruits both inside the Kingdom and abroad. The total number of trainees in the Kingdom was 1,722 and those abroad numbered 652 during the period 1410 to 1417 H.

3. Emergency Plans:

Emergency programs and plans have been prepared and supplied with structural facilities, for example the construction of (reservoirs) dams for emergencies for most major towns in the Kingdom. In certain locations, their capacity is 1.5 million cubic liters.

4. Protection of water resources from pollution:

With respect to measures for protecting water resources from environmental pollution and the regulations for the conservation of water issued by Royal Order Number M/34 dated 24/8/1400 H, for the effective management and protection of water from pollution, the regulations are enforced by executive regulations allowing MAW to apply measures for the protection and conservation of fresh water to be closely monitored. SWCC established a special division concerned with the environment and its affairs within the competence of its General Directorate for Research and Development, entrusted with the study of the impact of the environment on desalination plants, and their impact on the environment, with a view to maintaining the environmental criteria and standards required, in a manner compatible with the developmental responsibilities of the Corporation and enhancement of water resources in the Kingdom.

The Research and Development Center of the Corporation conducts the necessary analysis to ensure that the plants adhere to environmental criteria and standards, and monitors continually the operation of the plants with respect to smoke emitted and the exhausted water that is returned to the sea as well as the process of handling, keeping and destroying various chemical materials.

5. With respect to transfer of technology related to fresh water resources, the Kingdom is in continual contact with advanced countries in connection with modern technologies related to water resources such as re-cycling sewage water, treatment of salt water, construction of dams, reservoirs and networks, and the use of mathematical models for ground and surface water through active participation in relevant conferences and symposia as well as through joint programs with certain advanced countries where the transfer of technology and training are the most important objectives.

6. Dissemination of water information:

With respect to water information and its dissemination, MAW has a large database containing information on ground, surface, and rain water, in addition to climatic data. Recently a computer program has been designed for the organization, classification, and processing of information and preparation for dissemination, in addition to available information in the form of detailed water resources studies which are continually updated. MAW has booklets , bulletins, and atlases which are published and disseminated, such as Water Atlas, Soil Atlas, Climate Atlas, and Land Resources Atlas.

7. Difficulties and constraints:

From actual review of Agenda 21 relative to the achievements of the Kingdom in the area of the development and conservation of water resources, it is clear that in certain instances these achievements are at least similar to the proposed solutions, if they do not surpass them. Since water is a vital resource that concerns all agricultural, industrial and construction sectors, there is always a pressing need for continued advancement and development through endorsement of projects and studies proposed in the Sixth Five-Year Plan of the Ministry. If there are constraints, they are embodied in the difficulty of approval of the necessary funds for implementation of the Ministry's plans and projects in the area of water.

8. Program for monitoring the disposal of sewage water:

When disposing of sewage water, Saudi Aramco generally adhered to specifications applicable in the Kingdom, including:

1. Physiochemical pollutants

2. Organic pollutants

3. Inorganic pollutants

4. Biological pollutants

The date collected are analyzed and compiled into an annual report, a copy of which is sent to MEPA to indicate adherence to the applicable specifications and regulations.

9. Program for monitoring groundwater:

This program is designed to uncover potential groundwater pollution at facilities for storage and disposal of waste, at industrial plants, and at surface facilities for the disposal of drainage water from sewage (sprinkler fields), with a view to protection of precious water resources. Groundwater is also monitored in the vicinity of extraction sites with the purpose of management of the quality and quantity of resources in areas of high water tables, and in aquifiers in oil fields, in order to discover possiblities for seepage/infiltration.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) functions as the principal desalination complex.

See under "Status Report."

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: See under "Status Report."

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: See under "Status Report."

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

Gradual Phasing-out of polychlorinated biohenyls (PCBs):

Saudi Aramco has initiated a program for the gradual limiting and phasing-out of the use of polychlorinated biohenyls (PCBs) from all electric transformers and capacitor oils in vies of the high toxicity of these compounds. In addition to removal of these chemicals, there plans to replace old equipment containing more than 50 parts per million of PCBs. Company regulations prohibit procurement and installation of equipment containing these compounds.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Ministry of Health takes charge of health care and hospitals.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:

Special Programs for Chemical Safety (CHEMSAFE):

MOH conducted a specialized national training course in the area of chemical safety, disaster preparedness, and management in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Officials and specialists from relevant ministries and agencies participated with the aim of developing skills in the areas of chemical safety, the role of curative and preventive medicine in preparedness for addressing chemical accidents, exchange of information, finding a coordinated approach among relevant agencies, and raising public awareness of chemical safety issues. Coordination with WHO is under way with a view to establishing an information network for the environment, chemical safety, and addressing emergencies.

The Chemical Emergency Response Team:

This team is a task force formed to respond to emergencies such as chemical spills or leakage. Among the activities of this team is frequent training on emergency situations as well as regular trainng of company staff.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation:

Coordination with WHO is under way with a view to establishing an information network for the environment, chemical safety, and addressing emergencies.

- Program for solid waste and hazardous waste:

Company operations produce both human and industrial waste. Solid waste resulting from human use is disposed of in approved hygienic waste-disposal facilities, whereas industrial waste is normally screened and handled according to acceptalbe practice in the industry. Saudi Aramco has always stressed the development of safe procedures for handling hazardous materials, and reduction in the waste produced. The company has implemented the following projects:
- Installation of mixers in crude oil tanks in order to reduce the amount of deposited oil sludge that needs to be removed.
- Installation of cells for oxidation of highly toxic tetra-ethyl lead, and converting it into inorganic lead with low toxicity that can be buried safely in special disposal sites.
- Construction of a special storage facility for handling expired hazardous materials.
- Program for minimization of waste:
This program aims at minimizing the waste produced by plant operations through reduction of waste at source, modification of the manufacturing process, replacement of the materials used, separation of waste, and better management as well as reuse and re-processing of waste. At present, depending on its nature, Saudi Aramco handles waste in a number of ways, such as:
- Impoundment:
Impoundment in categories 1 and 2 are both used for the disposal of environmentally inactive and non-toxic solid waste as well as for certain hazardous materials that do not constitute a threat to groundwater such as asbestos, chemical catalysts used in refineries, and expired medical materials. Industrial waste from Saudi Aramco plants is handled by a number of contractors who use both impoundment categories, 1 and 2, for disposal.

- Treatment of waste:
Small quantities of oil sludge produced in company facilities are treated in waste treatment units constructed for this purpose in numerous locations.
- Aeration:
Tetra-ethyl lead sludge produced in benzene tanks is a particularly hazardous toxic, and water-soluble material. This sludge is treated in a special facility where tetra-ethyl lead is oxidized, converted into inorganic lead with low toxicity which is insoluble in water, and impounded by the category 1 method.

- Storage:
When the above-mentioned methods are inadequate for safe disposal of hazardous materials, certain materials may be stored in surplus chemical warehousing and handling facilities until a suitable way is found to dispose of them. Detailed procedures and guidelines formulated by the company provide for waste handling, monitoring and control.

Existing Environment Activities and Programmes:
These activities are basically related to monitoring of the quality of air and wastewater, management of hazardous materials, and response to accidents of oil spills. They also include assessment of Saudi Aramco operations, study of the marine environment, protection of groundwater sources, and determination of adherence to the regulations of the company and of the Kingdom.

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal

* Saudi Arabia signed and ratified on 22 March 1989.
* Saudi Arabia confirmed and ratified on 07 March 1990.

Additional comments relevant to this chapter

1. Decision-Making Structure:

Committees Specialized in Hazardous and Restricted Materials:

A number of committees and task forces have been formed to study various matters related to the environment and safety with respect to handling and controlling hazardous materials:

- The Committee for Protection Against Radiation:
This committee is charged with the safe handling, storing, and disposing of radioactive materials.

- The Chemical Emergency Response Team:
This team is a task force formed to respond to emergencies such as chemical spills or leakage. Among the activities of this team is frequent training on emergency situations as well as regular training of company staff.

- The Committee for Coordination on Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):
The Committee for Coordination on Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) monitors the company's activities related to the consumption, handling, and keeping of such materials, and formulates strategies in accordance with the provision of the Montreal Protocol. An example of the activities of this committee is Saudi Aramco's program for the conservation of cooling materials, which sets mandatory requirements for the handling and re-processing of CFCs. Implementation was recently initiated for a technical program and another for monitoring consumption of chillers in Aramco. The committee alternatives to such ozone-depleting materials. There are similar efforts to use halon gases.

- The Committee for Hazardous Materials:
This Committee gives opinions on plans for the appropriate use and disposal of all hazardous materials. It participates in the preparation and execution of such plans. Among the terms of reference of the committee are oversight and coordination of the relevant committees and task forces formed for this purpose, such as the above-mentioned committees charged with the control and management of hazardous materials. The committee also acts as an umbrella to ensure effective coverage of all stages and matters related to hazardous materials.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:

See above.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation:

Saudi Aramco is a founding member of a number of regional and international organizations concerned with oil spill control activities. Among these organizations are the Organization for Join Cooperation of Oil Companies Operating in the (Arabian) Gulf, which is concerned with the protection of Gulf resources in face of oil pollution, and the Oil Spill Services Center in the United Kingdom, an organization which renders response services to oil spills worldwide.

-Environmental assessment program:

This program is concerned with implementation of Saudi Aramco's plan for the protection of the environment. It is designed to provide company departmental managers with assessment of the adequacy of the environmental performance of their facilities, and of their adherence to applicable environment regulations; and to submit solutions and proposals for implementing essential environmental improvements economically.

The scope of action of the program covers primarily areas of air quality, solid waste, and hazardous chemical materials, as well as the prevention and control of oil spills. The program includes assessment of environmental hazards in each facility. It conducts surveys of these facilities to determine adherence to regulations applied; carries out joint monitoring in order to solve environmental problems; and follows up implementation of recommendations prepared by the survey team. At present, more than 40 environmental assessments have been successfully completed on exploration, production, refining and distribution facilities.

Industry

1. Adherence to Environmental Considerations in Industrial Projects:

New plants with potential impact on the environment have been obliged to conduct studies on environmental impact assessment in adherence to Agenda 21 requirements.

2. Encouragement of Production of Environmentally-desirable Products, and Re-use and Recycling Industrial Waste:

Certain plants have adopted the principle of clean production, for example the companies of SABIC (Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation) and those of other basic industries. Plans are in place to achieve this objective. Plants dispose of hazardous waste through environmentally qualified companies, into specialized waste-disposal dumps. An environmentally-qualified company, approved by the Administration (MEPA), is establishing an incinerator for hazardous waste that cannot be disposed of in the hazardous waste dump. This incinerator is still at the experimental stage.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Meteorology and Environmental Protection Agency takes charge of meteorology and environment.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues:

Industry

1. Adherence to Environmental Considerations in Industrial Projects:

New plants with potential impact on the environment have been obliged to conduct studies on environmental impact assessment in adherence to Agenda 21 requirements.

2. Encouragement of Production of Environmentally-desirable Products, and Re-use and Recycling Industrial Waste:

Certain plants have adopted the principle of clean production, for example the companies of SABIC (Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation) and those of other basic industries. Plans are in place to achieve this objective. Plants dispose of hazardous waste through environmentally qualified companies, into specialized waste-disposal dumps. An environmentally-qualified company, approved by the Administration (MEPA), is establishing an incinerator for hazardous waste that cannot be disposed of in the hazardous waste dump. This incinerator is still at the experimental stage.

3. Major Groups: No Informaltion.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

1. Decision-Making Structure:

The Committee for Protection Against Radiation is charged with the safe handling, storing, and disposing of radioactive materials.

2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No Information.

3. Major Groups: No Information.

4. Finance: No Information.

5. Regional/International Cooperation: No Information.

CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

No Information.

NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:

No Information.

ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:

No Information.

No Information.

No Information.

MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

No Information.

No Information.

STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG TERM SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:

No Information.

Refer to Chapter 8 for details.

a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable development:

- In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the General Presidency for Girls' Education, MEPA has incorporated into schools curricula a number of environmental concepts.

b) Increasing public awareness :

- MEPA has published and disseminated in the Kingdom and abroad the second edition of "Protection of the Environment in Islam" in Arabic, English and French, in collaboration with the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

c) Promoting training:

- MEPA supported the Saudi Environmental Awareness Program by conducting a number of training sessions for teachers of various educational levels in order to explain posters published on the environment by UNESCO.

ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:

No Information.

FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES:

No Information.

No Information.