Scientific sessions
Sustainability and Innovation in Food Security
Globally, there are expected to be significant shifts in healthy diets by 2050. The doubling of human populations and the limited traditional food available will impose this shift. The dietary system is also expected to change due to a significant increase in global consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, and a reduction in the consumption of foods rich in fats and sugars such as red meat and fast food by more than 50%. So, what will be on our dishes in the next few decades? Experts in nutrition science predict the spread and abundant presence of algae and sea food resources in the coming years. On the other hand, the alternative to the shortage of meat from the farm is lab-grown or cultured meat, which is already on the rise. In addition, many insects can also replace similar amounts of animal protein to prevent protein depletion relative to a growing population, which is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.
Our global food system is indeed a major contributor to environmental pollution and climate change. It is responsible for almost one-third of all greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions across the planet. Taking into account all the manufacturing, processing and transmission of the inputs and outputs of this highly complex system. It also includes emissions, including methane from ruminant husbandry for food; whether for meat or milk (greenhouse gases are 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide). In addition, there are many other factors that must be recognized, including unsustainable water use, deforestation, in addition to air, water and ecosystem pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in better agricultural practices such as the adoption of (Global GAP, Saudi GAP), and technology aimed at reducing the food footprint and focusing on food production through environmentally friendly practices.
Next-Generation Technologies in Food Security
Stakeholders and Decision-makers should look forward in decision-making to support and encourage innovation to protect the food supply from potential negative impacts such as pandemics as COVID-19 and the impact of climate change. Innovation and advanced technologies can make a strong contribution to secure and sustain food production. For example, digital and biotechnologies can improve ruminant livestock. Furthermore, genetic technologies can play a supporting role through enabling animal husbandry, which requires fewer methane-producing animals to meet the world's protein needs. As another example, artificial intelligence and sensors can help food manufacturers to better sort and reduce waste. Other smart technologies can also identify inedible by-products for reprocessing. Data and analysis by advanced modern satellite-related technologies can help authorities to better monitor and manage the seas to reduce overfishing, while enabling boat crews to target and find fish with less effort.
Food security in the Kingdom is of exceptional importance, as global food consumption increases and thus the global average food production per capita is increasing. The world's population is expected to exceed 10 billion by 2050, increasing demand for food and putting more pressure on limited resources. Food production will increasingly be affected by climate change. The desert climate characterizes the Kingdom and most of the surrounding countries in the region, as its food production does not meet its need to achieve food security so it imports from other countries, important challenges are the increasing competition for land, energy and water, with the latter being a particular concern because a number of very major aquifers will be depleted by 2025, and therefore, will need to reduce the production of more food. In fact, despite the limited natural sources of production, productivity continues to increase Investment in food system research and development must be increased, and planned capital investment with the change towards technological development can overcome these challenges. Although progress in reducing hunger over recent decades has been significant. The National Transformation Program 2020, which comes within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, has developed a number of initiatives aimed at achieving the security of vital resources in the Kingdom, specifying the contribution to achieving comprehensive sustainable food security in the Kingdom as a strategic goal.
The future of agriculture is changing with new farmers emerging, who are using innovative technologies and practices to produce food more sustainably and efficiently. These new farmers are using precision farming, data analytics and other technologies to improve their operations and reduce their environmental impact. They are also adopting more sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, cover planting, and zero-till farming, to improve soil health and reduce water use. Future farms will be more diversified and integrated. Farmers will grow a variety of crops and raise a variety of livestock, and they will work with businesses and other organizations to create more sustainable and resilient food systems. These farms will be more efficient and productive, and they will be able to meet the growing demand for food while protecting the environment. The new farmers and farms of the future are essential to ensuring a sustainable food system for the future. Farms of the future also contribute to creating more resilient food systems that can withstand the challenges of climate change and other disorders.
Sustainable Development and The Challenges of Climate Change
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is critical to limit the global warming of our planet. The vision and initiative of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince-God Protect Him- in Saudi Green, the green Middle East and the global society gathered under the umbrella of the climate agreement aim to avoid the world's worst consequences of climate change, through carbon sequestering across the energy, industrial, land use, transportation and built environment sectors. The Kingdom launched the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, which is set to address climate challenges and achieve net zero emissions by 2060.
“The Saudi Green Initiative will provide huge investment opportunities for the private sector, quality job opportunities for the next generation of leaders in the Kingdom and enhanced international relationships that will have a positive impact on the region and the world,” the Crown Prince-God Protect Him- said in a statement. Mega-scale investments will be required by Climate Finance to reduce emissions, promote adaptation and build resilience, putting huge pressure on policy makers and businesses as they look to deliver on ambitious net zero targets and broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG( commitments. Financing the Kingdom's climate through mega environmental projects such as The Line in NEOM is a model for renewable energy with zero- greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable development can be achieved despite climate change. To avoid its negative effects on quantity and quality of agricultural production, it can be carried out through flexible measures to withstand and mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture through the following approaches: Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA): Promoting climate-resilient agriculture for sustainable livelihoods. Climate-resilient agriculture can be defined as "agriculture that reduces poverty and hunger in the face of climate Change, optimizing the resources on which it depends for the future.
The energy industry is experiencing unprecedented fluctuations in the type and source of the energy. The main cause of these fluctuations is geopolitical tensions, concerns about climate change, and the accompanying global pressure and growing interest in decarbonization. These international, regional and national efforts have led to global acceleration in the energy industry through technological advancements and innovations, focusing on sustainable and renewable alternative energy. Renewable energy technologically plays an important role in achieving sustainable development of societies and reducing climate variability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security and providing access to energy for communities that previously lacked it.
Protection and Development of Natural Resources and Biodiversity
Saudi Arabia has large, unspoiled natural areas with high biodiversity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is about 1,969,000 km2 in area making it the tenth largest country covering 1.64% of the land area of the world. The flora of Saudi Arabia reflects the geographical position of the Arabian Peninsula between Africa, Asia and Europe. There are 2,250 species of flowering plants in Saudi Arabia of which some 246 species are considered regionally endemic. About 450 species (18%) of flowering plants have direct benefits to human beings and 45 species (1.8%) are poisonous. Some 334 species (13.4%) are used in folk medicine or are known to have medicinal value. There are 93 mammal species, 432 bird species, 9 freshwater fish species, 103 reptiles and 7 amphibians found in Saudi Arabia. Some major threats to biodiversity include habitat destruction and fragmentation, over-grazing, over-hunting, changes to intensive modern agricultural practices, pollution, recreational activities, expansion of urban areas and exotic, invasive species.
Water is one of the most important natural resources and the most important input to development, economy, and sustainability. As urbanization and population growth exacerbate water resource challenges, many countries face water shortages, and the demand for water increases. Water scarcity, are linked to geographical location, climate change and drought. Water scarcity make the future miserable and bad and requires great financial and technical capabilities to find sustainable solutions with serious approaches and plans to manage water use and its distribution at the national and regional levels. Sustainable and efficient water use is vitally important, and the uneven distribution of water in the world means it is especially important for water-scarce countries.
The outputs of the Saudi Green initiative that was launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince- God Protect Him-, is to create a greener and more sustainable environment for future generations. One of the great goals of the initiative is to protect up to 30% of the Kingdom’s land and sea while saving endangered species. The Saudi Green Initiative was launched under the supervision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to meet climate challenges and help the country achieve net zero emissions by 2060. Currently in the Kingdom, about 17% of its territory and sea are natural reserves and under protection, which include up to 15 specific areas of Royal Natural Reserves, Natural Reserves and Al-Ula Natural Reserves. In addition to many works and achievements in the restoration and conservation of wildlife and its biodiversity.
