RIYADH: The Green Riyadh initiative is poised to significantly increase the city’s forestation coverage to 9 percent, with the planting of 7 million trees, according to Laurent Germain, CEO of Egis Group.
He made these remarks during a panel discussion at the 7th Future Investment Initiative forum, where experts in sustainable development deliberated on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious urban forestation project.
The CEO of the global consulting, construction, engineering and operating firm highlighted the importance of this venture, stating: “One of the most iconic projects we are delivering in Saudi Arabia is the ‘Green Riyadh’ project.”
Germain explained that the project aims raise the green coverage to 9 percent, a significant increase from the 1 percent coverage in 2020.
Janus Rostock, vice president of AECOM Middle East, highlighted the city’s commitment to providing green spaces for its residents.
He noted: “What's interesting about Riyadh is that today, each person in the population has 1.7 sq. meters of green open space out there; that number is going to increase to 28 square meters per person.”
The discussion also centered on the importance of adapting to changing climate patterns.
Germain stressed the need to consider recent climate data when planning for the future.
He emphasized: “Resilience is very high on the agenda because the climate phenomena that we are experiencing have nothing to do with what we experienced a decade ago, so in the way we plan, we need to take into account the climate data not of 10 years ago but the data of the phenomena that will happen.”
Additionally, Rostock highlighted the significance of creating a compelling narrative, stating: “The creation of a strong narrative, which gives a clear vision and identity for the project, is really important.”
