Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Sustainable development is a process and a driver of nations that requires continuous improvement in an integrated manner, while considering economic, social and environmental aspects. In 2015, United Nations Member States adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all people. Saudi Arabia is making great efforts to achieve these goals, while considering its own perspectives and the National Vision 2030. There is no single indicator of sustainable development; rather, there are multiple measures for sustainability that collectively indicate a positive trend over time. These indicators have been measured in the Kingdom at the national level, but there is still a need for application at the local and regional levels. This study aims to measure those indicators in the Al Ahsa Oasis based on preliminary data collected in the field from a simple random sample of 257 individuals. A set of descriptive frameworks and statistical methods were used to assess the environmental situation, identify the most important influencing factors and propose policies to contribute to Al Ahsa's environmental sustainability. KEYWORDS Al Ahsa oasis, economic growth, sustainable development, social justice, development goals, environmental awareness