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| Presidency of Meteorology and Environment |
JEDDAH:
Prince Turki bin Nasser, presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) chief,
opened the third Gulf Environment Forum (GEF 2012) at the Jeddah Hilton on
Sunday.
The
PME is organizing the forum with the support of Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Abdullah.
“Green
economy, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation” is this
year forum’s theme.
With
the official support to the event, the Kingdom is aiming to demonstrate its
commitment toward establishing an environmentally responsible region.
Fifty
speakers, experts and decision makers from different countries are
participating in the forum to discuss opportunities for protecting and
preserving the environment in a period of great economic expansion.
The
GEF 2012 has brought together the public and private sector organizations such
as ABB Saudi Arabia, Ernst and Young, Ferrostaal, GE Power and Water, Marafiq,
Saudi Binladin Group, Siemens, Soroof International and Worley Parsons Arabia.
Prince
Turki toured the forum’s 100 sections where he confirmed that the forum
presents many projects that serve the society and environment.
“I
look forward to welcoming all stakeholders who are committed to ensuring a
prosperous and sustainable Gulf region at the forum. This event is considered
as a platform to bring public and private entities from the GCC countries and
the wider international community together to discuss environmental enterprise
opportunities,” he said.
“The
Kingdom has made the environment a top priority in the development of economic
and social projects in order to safeguard the environment and protect it from
deterioration. We have several development plans which operate within the
global system to preserve the environment,” he added.
Prince
Turki said: “We work as part of a global system for protecting the environment
and benefit from the environmental experiences worldwide.”
He
added: Such forums would be very useful for the society especially in light of
growing population and cities’ expansion. We want to learn from environmental experiences
worldwide, take precautions and apply environmental standards.”
He
said: “The forum helps to build networks of communication in terms of
environmental issues, ensure the economic feasibility of alternative ways to
generate energy in the Gulf region and focus on strategies for
water-development and re-use in the Middle East. We also host this forum in
preparation for participating in the Earth Summit in Rio 2012.”
According
to Prince Turki, the logo selected was for “Green Economy, CSR and Green
Innovation” because they are looking to achieve sustainable development, tackle
poverty and help the GCC countries to benefit from Earth Summit 2012.
Egyptian
Minister for Environmental Affairs Mostafa Hussein Kamel said many investment
opportunities would emerge from GEF 2012.
“Egypt
and the participating countries seek to take advantage of opportunities in the
areas of green economy through a number of projects such as renewable energy,
transportation, green building and waste recycling. Applying the green economy
strategies will help in achieving sustainable development, killing poverty and
building a better future,” he said.
Majedah Abu Ras, deputy executive Director of
Saudi Environment Society, who is also the spokesperson of the forum, said
Prince Turki gave much attention to the environment, which is why he announced
two prizes, first one for protecting the environment and other for corporate
social responsibility.
