RIYADH: Ghassan Bakri, secretary-general of the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has received a UN first-class medal of honor for his developmental work.
The award recognizes his leadership in advancing the program’s objectives and enhancing its impact in the rural sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
This international honor acknowledges his supervision of initiatives to empower small-scale agricultural producers and improve rural productivity and efficiency.
It also highlights his work in developing agricultural value chains, increasing access to local markets, and reinforcing the sustainability of farming activities.
The UN recognition further reflects the program’s efforts to build international partnerships and share expertise in sustainable agriculture.
It underscores initiatives on food security that support the agricultural ecosystem and improve resource efficiency, the SPA reported.
Earlier, the UN World Tourism Organization praised Saudi Reef for promoting sustainable development by linking it to rural tourism and showcasing the cultural heritage of communities.
Basmah Al-Mayman, the organization’s director of the Regional Department for the Middle East, commended the program for organizing multiple rural tourism events across the Kingdom.
In a report published by the SPA last month, the program projected that the average monthly income of its beneficiaries, including farmers and producers, will exceed SR20,000 ($5,300) per person by 2030.
This expected growth underscores the program’s commitment to enhancing economic sustainability in rural areas, in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives, the SPA stated.
Saudi Reef spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan said the rise in farmers’ incomes reflects the program’s expanded support for more than 200,000 beneficiaries, which boosts productivity, local investment, and sustainability through modern irrigation and agricultural mechanization.
He added that the projected income growth for small farmers and producers reflects the success of Saudi Reef initiatives in empowering communities and enhancing their contribution to the national economy.
Al-Buraikan said the program has successfully introduced multi-billion-riyal products into the Saudi market, with the fruit sector alone exceeding SR2.3 billion and the coffee sector reaching SR825 million.
He pointed out that the total market value covers five main sectors: fruits, coffee, honey, roses, and rain-fed crops.
The program provides financial and advisory support to small-scale farmers, beekeepers, fishermen, and productive rural families across several sectors.
