1. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Adaptation Actions with Mitigation Co-benefits
Presented by: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
source : http://www.iisd.ca/climate/cop21/enbots/
This event, moderated by Mohammed Al Hajri, Saudi Aramco, showcased GCC regional climate adaptation
efforts through: habitat and water conservation, marine protection and urban planning.
Abdullah Al Suhaibani, Saudi Aramco, presented on the diverse ecology of the Arabian peninsula, stressing
there are 67 different ecological areas in the region, that 15% of species are endemic and that 88% have
not been evaluated. He explained major challenges include droughts, overgrazing, urbanization and off-
road driving, and showcased conservation efforts in the Abqaiq wetland and the Shaybah dune habitat.
Carlos Duarte, Saudi Arabia King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust), considered
mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes as three key global carbon sinks that had been overlooked until
recently. He explained the term “blue carbon” is being used to help recognize and strengthen the key role
of these ecosystems play in carbon sequestration.
Zaour Israfilof, SABIC, outlined the chemical company’s development of a risk management matrix,
incorporating climate-related risks such as: costs due to low carbon technology requirements; physical
assets affected by climate change; changing customer preferences; and national and international climate
regulations.
Masoud Al-Marri, Director, Agricultural Research Department, Ministry of Environment, Qatar, considered
plant genetic resources and climate change. He stressed that adapting crops to future climatic conditions is
essential, and reported on the establishment of plant gene banks to improve preservation, knowledge and
use of seed varieties for agricultural productivity and food security.
Abdelaziz Elmegbl, Arriyadh Development Authority, Saudi Arabia, presented on the King Abdulaziz Public
Transport Project, informing participants that it is the largest of its kind in the world. He noted roads
currently represent around 37% of land use, with a low public transport rate of around 2%, and outlined
plans for a new extensive, city-wide metro and bus system, noting it will be low-sulphur.
United
Arab
Emirates
Bahrain Saudi Arabia Oman Qatar Kuwait
Mr. Mohammad Al Hajri
KSA
Wastewater treatment
Specialist at Saudi
Aramco.
Mr. Zaour Israfilof
KSA
Climate Change
Specialist at SABIC
Mr. Masoud J. Al-Marri
Qatar
Director, Agricultural
Research Department,
Ministry of Environment
Mr. Abdullah
Al Suhaibani
KSA
Environmental
Scientist at Saudi
Aramco
Mr. Carlos Duarte
KSA
Saudi Arabia King
Abdullah University
of Science and
Technology
Abdelaziz Elmegbl
KSA
Arriyadh
Development
Authority

2. Al Hajri presented on water management, saying Saudi Arabia is defined as a ‘severe water-scarce’ nation,
with water consumption far exceeding renewable resources. He stressed country-wide actions, including:
government plans to reduce water consumption; national provision of high-quality treated waste water for
irrigation; and coupling renewable water resources with renewable energy.
The discussion considered: ways to improve rainfall harvesting; ways to improve renewable energy and
biodiversity conservation into water desalination activities; and how the preservation of “blue carbon”
could contribute to the region’s mitigation commitments.