RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Environment Fund has concluded its “Friends of the Environment” initiative, which benefited 13,552 students from 331 schools across 13 administrative regions.
The program aimed to raise environmental awareness among youth and was carried out in partnership with INJAZ Saudi Arabia, a nonprofit that empowers young Saudis with practical skills for the workforce.
Munir bin Fahd Al-Sahli, acting CEO of the fund, said the initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Environment Strategy, which seek to enhance and sustain the environmental sector and strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in the field. The fund plays a central role in realizing these goals.
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Munir Al-Sahli, acting CEO of the fund, said that the project is a model of collaboration between environmental, educational, and nonprofit sectors, and reflects the fund’s goal of fostering a generation that values and protects natural resources.
More than 200 student counselors were trained to deliver the program, logging 135,520 training hours — exceeding the initial plan of 125,000 hours. The initiative also surpassed its target of reaching 12,500 students.
Al-Sahli said that while the program has met its objectives, the fund remains committed to supporting similar efforts that raise environmental awareness among youth.
He added that the project is a model of collaboration between environmental, educational, and nonprofit sectors, and reflects the fund’s goal of fostering a generation that values and protects natural resources.
The “Friends of the Environment” initiative is part of the Incentives and Grants Program, an online platform launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in mid-2024.
The program supports 16 tracks across various environmental fields, and applicants can apply through the Environmental Fund’s website.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia introduced a new environmental financing initiative worth SR1 billion ($267 million), backed by Riyad Bank, to boost private sector involvement in sustainable projects. It was announced by Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, who is also the chairman of the fund.
The initiative aims to strengthen funding for environmental efforts and provide incentives for standout projects. It forms part of a wider national strategy to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
