JEDDAH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced on Saturday the launch of the “Innovation Challenge in Dam Sediment Management,” a strategic initiative aimed at addressing environmental issues caused by sediment buildup in dams.

The challenge falls under the Saudi Innovation Grants Program for Private Sector Challenges and seeks to encourage innovators and technology firms to develop sustainable, long-term solutions to sediment accumulation.

In a statement posted on its official X account, the ministry said the initiative is designed to transform environmental challenges into development opportunities by leveraging advanced technologies to enhance water resource sustainability across the Kingdom. The move aligns with national water security objectives.

The ministry outlined several key goals for the challenge, including improving dam storage efficiency by tackling soil and material buildup that reduces water capacity, extending the operational lifespan of dams through innovative maintenance techniques, and cutting costs associated with traditional dredging and maintenance.

It also aims to promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the safe and beneficial reuse of extracted sediments, such as in construction materials, and to minimize system disruptions caused by heavy sedimentation to ensure uninterrupted water flow.

Participation has been opened to a broad range of local and international stakeholders, including startups and small and medium-sized enterprises specializing in environmental technologies, advanced engineering solution providers, as well as research centers and universities.