Interconnection with Other Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 15 (Life on Land) is closely linked to other Sustainable Development Goals. Biodiversity and ecosystems form the basis for strategies to adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risks (Goal 13). Life on land and marine life (Goal 14) are interconnected, and ecosystems contribute to providing means to eradicate hunger (Goal 2) and poverty (Goal 1). Additionally, clean water (Goal 6) and clean energy (Goal 7) are essential for sustaining life on land.

Effor​ts of the Saudi Government to Achieve SDG 15:

Saudi Green Initiative (SGI):

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land. Large-scale afforestation projects focus on increasing vegetation cover, reducing desertification, and restoring ecosystems.

Combating Desertification and Land Rehabilitation:

Programs are implemented to combat desertification through soil stabilization, sustainable grazing, and water conservation practices. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture oversees initiatives aimed at restoring degraded lands and preventing the expansion of desertification.

Biodiversity Protection:

The Kingdom has established protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Farasan Islands and Royal Reserves, to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species. The government has implemented breeding programs for native species, including the Arabian Oryx and Houbara Bustard, to prevent extinction.

Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

Modern irrigation systems and sustainable agricultural techniques help reduce water consumption and protect soil quality. Programs such as the National Afforestation Project integrate tree planting with agricultural development.

Forest Conservation:

Efforts to protect and restore local forests, including mangrove trees on the coasts, contribute to combating climate change and providing habitats for wildlife. Initiatives focus on reducing deforestation and promoting agroforestry.​

Community  Participation:

Public awareness campaigns, such as "Let's Make It Green," encourage citizens to participate in tree planting and land protection. Volunteer programs engage communities in sustainable practices and environmental protection.

International Cooperation:

The Kingdom collaborates with global organizations, including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), to address land degradation and biodiversity loss. Partnerships in climate action and ecosystem conservation enhance regional and global environmental efforts.

The Role of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in Achieving Goal 15

The university has adopted a climate action policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its academic and administrative operations and promoting the use of clean energy, thereby contributing to reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability.

Afforestation Campaigns, Community Participation, and Green Campus Initiatives: 

IMSIU maintains green spaces on campus, enhancing biodiversity and reducing environmental impact. Tree-planting campaigns, involving students and staff, contribute to increasing vegetation cover and promoting sustainability. The university organizes regular afforestation campaigns in cooperation with students and staff, aiming to increase vegetation cover within the campus and participate in national initiatives such as "Let's Make It Green."

Scientific Research in Desert Ecosystems:

The university conducts scientific research on desert ecosystems, land degradation, and biodiversity conservation, in cooperation with government entities and environmental organizations, contributing to understanding environmental challenges and developing sustainable solutions.

Educational Programs and Environmental Awareness:

The university offers educational programs and workshops on environmental sustainability, land management, and biodiversity conservation, integrated into curricula, to raise environmental awareness among students and the community.

Partnerships with Environmental Organizations:

The university collaborates with NGOs and local government programs, enhancing its impact on land conservation efforts and community participation.

Sustainable Practices on Campus:

The university adopts sustainable practices such as waste recycling, water-efficient landscape design, and eco-friendly infrastructure to reduce its environmental footprint and promote a culture of sustainability among students and staff.

Examples of Various Environmental Activities and Initiatives of the University:

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University plays an active role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 "Life on Land" through education, scientific research, practical initiatives, and environmentally friendly waste management. The university has launched educational programs and awareness campaigns that promote awareness of the importance of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity protection, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and global environmental goals. These efforts contribute to enhancing environmental sustainability on and off campus, benefiting students and the community, and supporting national and international goals for conserving life on land.

This report highlights the initiatives launched by the university and their impact on society and students.

Environment Club of the College of Female Students' Affairs – Basics of Agriculture and Home Gardens

The club organized an open meeting with Ms. Asma Ahmed Al-Sulaiman from Park Sumi, discussing "Basics of Agriculture and Establishing Home Gardens," broadcast live via Periscope. More than 742 male and female students participated in the meeting.

Link to Details

"Your Food is Your Medicine" Program for Organic Agriculture Awareness

Organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs in cooperation with the Saudi Organic Agriculture Association and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, to introduce female students to organic agriculture, its importance, methods of protecting organic products, and regulating agricultural activity in the Kingdom.

Link of Details​

Visit of the Deputy Mayor of Riyadh to the University's Pavilion at the Spring Festival

The Deputy Mayor of Riyadh visited the university's pavilion at the Riyadh Spring Festival held in King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Park in Al-Malaz. The details of the university's participation and environmental awareness activities were showcased.

Link of Details

​

Environment Week in th​e Female Students' City

The Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Al-Arini, inaugurated Environment Week under the slogan "Protecting Our Environment for the Benefit of Our Society," which included lectures and workshops on plants and agriculture, sustainable practices, and environmental cultural competitions.

The Vice Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs, in cooperation with the Riyadh branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, organized the Environment Week event, which included awareness corners on the importance of the environment and its impact on health, safe consumption methods, in addition to artworks and a visual presentation titled "We Plant to Live" to introduce plants and cultivation methods and care for them, enhancing students' environmental awareness and responsibilities.

Link to Detail  ​

Educational Programs and Local Campaigns

Supporting Ecosystems Through Education and Integrating SDG 15 into Academic Programs:

Activities of Environmental Clubs at the University:

Environment Club and Disability Services Center, Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs, Hold Two Events on Environment and Autism

The Environment Club at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University organized the "Our Environment is Our Responsibility" program as part of Environment Week on March 24, 2022, aimed at raising environmental awareness and correcting wrong behaviors towards the environment. The event included awareness brochures, artworks about nature, and distributing rose seedlings to female students.​

The Disability Services Center also held an event on the occasion of World Autism Day on March 28, 2022, to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder, support affected individuals and their families, and integrate them into society. The event included educational publications, a presentation of key symptoms, and an awareness video about autism.

The Environmental Club, in cooperation with the Art Formation Club and under the patronage of the Deanship of Student Affairs, organized the "Hayalah" event as part of Environment Week. The event included a visit to the "Know Your Environment" exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to promote agricultural awareness and environmental sustainability. The event included multiple corners such as nurseries, pots, drawing, photography, and hospitality, to introduce students to environmental conservation practices.

Link of Activities

Environment Club of the Deanship of Student Affairs Responds to the Invitation of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

The Environment Club of the Deanship of Student Affairs participated in a visit to the exhibition of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16) in the Green Zone on December 9, 2024, with the participation of 22 female students and their supervisors. The visit reaffirmed the Kingdom's efforts to combat desertification and enhance vegetation cover, consistent with the Saudi Green and Riyadh Green Initiatives and Vision 2030. The exhibition included displays of the latest environmental technologies and innovations, afforestation initiatives and sustainable natural resource management, in addition to dialogue sessions and workshops on effective environmental solutions.

Link of Activity

Environment Club Organizes "Al-Hayalah" Event - Environment Week Exhibition (Know Your Environment)

The Environment Club at Imam University, in cooperation with the Art Formation Club, organized the "Al-Hayalah" event as part of Environment Week in May 2024, aiming to promote awareness of the importance of agriculture and its sustainability. The event included an introduction to the concept of "Al-Hayalah" as a cyclical agricultural land for farming and production, along with various corners such as nursery, pot, drawing, photography, and hospitality, in addition to an introductory exhibition of projects and participating entities in activating Environment Week. The event witnessed wide interaction from visitors, highlighting its role in spreading a culture of environmental sustainability.

Link of Activity

Female Students of the Environment Club at the Agency of the Deanship of Student Affairs Visit "DSCA" Association

The Environment Club at the Agency of the Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs organized a visit to the Down Syndrome Charitable Association (DSCA) on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, coinciding with World Down Syndrome Day and Environment Week. The visit included recreational and educational corners for children, such as coloring, artworks, and a planting experience with 20 seedlings, in addition to distributing gifts to them.

The event aimed to raise awareness of Down syndrome, promote their integration into society, and emphasize the importance of the environment and its preservation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Link of Activity​

Deanship of Student Affairs Organizes an Environmental Visit to Rawdat Khuraim, in Solidarity with the "This is Your Land" Campaign

Representing the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve Development Authority, the Deanship of Student Affairs, represented by the Environment Club, the Sports Club, and the International Students Club, in cooperation with the Authority, organized an environmental campaign in Rawdat Khuraim as part of the "This is Your Land" initiative, over three days in March 2024. The campaign aimed to clean the site of plastic waste, enhance environmental awareness and the culture of volunteering, and encourage male and female students to protect the environment. The campaign coincided with the Environment Club winning fourth place in Forbes' ranking of the top fifty Saudi brands in social responsibility.​

Link of Activity

"Our Environment is Our Responsibility" Program

The Environment Club, affiliated with the Agency of the Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs, organized the "Our Environment is Our Responsibility" program, which coincided with Environment Week, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Building 416.

This program aimed to raise the level of environmental awareness among all segments of society and various sectors, disseminate knowledge about the most important environmental issues in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stimulate environmental commitment, and enhance a sense of responsibility to correct wrong behaviors towards the environment and promote positive behaviors. The event included brochures and giveaways on how to preserve the environment, artworks about nature and seas, and the distribution of rose seedlings to female students.

Link of Activity​

In Response to the Saudi Green Initiative: The Marketing Communication Club at the College of Media and Communication Distributes Agricultural Seedlings to Students and University Staff

In response to the Saudi Green Initiative, the Marketing Communication pillar club at the College of Media and Communication participated in spreading community environmental awareness by distributing agricultural seedlings to male and female students and university staff in both male and female sections and all university buildings, accompanied by a QR code leading to the initiative's website as part of Saudi Vision 2030 programs.

Link of Activity

World Green Economy Day

The Economics Club at the College of Economics and Administrative Sciences, in cooperation with Tadweer Al-Bi'ah Al-Ahlia Company, organized the World Green Economy Day event on Monday, 15/2/1441 AH (corresponding to October 14, 2019), which lasted for four days in the main lobby of Building 322. The event focused on raising awareness about safe disposal of electronic waste and recycling it to produce renewable energy. It also included introductory corners and containers for collecting electronic waste, in addition to the inauguration of the Environment Club at the Deanship of Student Affairs for Female Student Affairs to enhance environmental awareness and encourage sustainable behaviors.

Link of Activity

 ​Supporting Land and Ecosystems Through Fieldwork

The university participates in practical initiatives to conserve terrestrial ecosystems, including:

• Afforestation campaigns
• Community clean-up projects
• Collaboration with local environmental organizations to establish protected areas.

These programs aim to encourage students to actively participate in environmental restoration efforts, develop their environmental awareness, and empower them to be ambassadors for environmental conservation.​

Collaborative Initiatives with Local Governments

The university signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to enhance cooperation in academic, research, and training areas related to the environment, in line with the National Environmental Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The MoU aims to develop strategic partnerships, support the implementation of scientific initiatives, conduct research, design training programs, implement technology transfer programs, and activate joint environmental volunteering and community programs.​

Projects and Agreements:

The university has launched numerous projects and agreements that support this goal, and their details can be accessed through the university's official website in the General Directorate of Projects section, where this page provides information on strategic partnerships and initiatives that promote "Life on Land" objectives.

Waste Disposal Policy - Land-Friendly Waste  Management

The university promotes responsible waste management practices in line with land conservation goals. The university has implemented a waste management and recycling program focused on reducing waste generated within the campus.

Awareness campaigns have also been launched for students and staff on the importance of waste segregation and the impact of pollution on terrestrial ecosystems. These initiatives reflect the university's commitment to promoting environmentally friendly practices within its academic community.

- Medical Waste Disposal Policy

[Link to Medical Waste Disposal Policy]

- National Policy for Radioactive Waste Management in the Kingdom

[Link to National Policy]​​

- National Policy for Healthcare Waste Management

[Link to National Policy]​​

The establishment and implementation of regulations and systems governing responsible waste management and safety conditions in chemical laboratories were presented through these links in the General Administration of Governance, Risks, and Compliance:

Link to Regulations and Systems                         Link to Regulations​

Lecture on the Role of Green Chemistry in Environmental Protection

The College of Science at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, represented by the Marketing, Business, and Social Responsibility Unit, organized an event on the occasion of World Environment Day titled "The Role of Green Chemistry in Environmental Protection" on Monday, May 12, 2025, in the college's Panorama hall. The event aimed to raise environmental awareness among the university community and highlight the importance of green chemistry in reducing environmental and water pollution and providing innovative scientific solutions to preserve natural resources for future generations.

Dr. Aidah bint Salman Al-Farraj, Vice Dean of the College of Science for Student Affairs, opened the event with a welcoming speech, emphasizing the role of green chemistry as a science and a vision that seeks to balance industrial progress with environmental protection, especially water sources. She also noted that the college's role extends to spreading awareness and contributing to addressing environmental issues through scientific research and practical application.

The event included interactive scientific experiments demonstrating how sustainable chemical technologies can contribute to building a safe and sustainable environmental future.

Link to Lecture

 ​

Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Water Authority

The Saudi Water Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University to enhance cooperation in scientific research, training, and capacity building in the water sector. The agreement includes specialized training programs, exchange of expertise, organizing conferences and workshops, and developing educational initiatives to support the labor market. It aims to qualify national cadres capable of facing the sector's challenges, promoting innovation, and sustainably managing resources.

 Link of Activity​

Cooperation Agreement with Green Solutions Company

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University signed a cooperation agreement with Green Solutions Company, which specializes in sustainable energy and environmentally friendly technologies. This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of design, training, 

and awareness, with a special focus on renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging technologies. This initiative reinforces the shift towards clean energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which falls within the scope of responsible consumption and production of resources.

University's Cooperation Agreement with Green Solutions Company

Impact of Initiatives on Students and Society

On Students:

Educational programs and practical initiatives provide students with applied learning experiences, developing their skills and deep understanding of environmental issues, and enhancing their ability to advocate for environmental protection and actively participate in their communities.

On Society:

Public awareness of the importance of land conservation and sustainable waste management has increased, encouraging the community to participate in afforestation campaigns and ecosystem restoration. Local ecosystems have shown signs of recovery and resilience, benefiting wildlife and the environment in general.

At the National Level:

The university's efforts contribute to supporting national sustainability goals by raising awareness and promoting positive change, positioning Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University as a leader in environmental education and conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University plays an active and influential role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) "Life on Land" through adopting educational, research, and community policies and initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity and conserving terrestrial ecosystems. The university's efforts include organizing afforestation campaigns, conducting scientific research on desert ecosystems and land degradation, in addition to awareness programs and educational workshops to promote environmental awareness among students and the local community.

The university also contributes to implementing sustainable practices within the campus, such as waste recycling, rationalizing water and energy consumption, and designing environmentally friendly landscapes, reflecting its commitment to promoting sustainability. The university's role is integrated with national efforts, through cooperation with government entities and environmental organizations, and participation in national initiatives such as the "Saudi Green Initiative."

Thus, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University stands out as a leading educational institution in the Kingdom, actively contributing to the protection of wildlife and the conservation of natural resources for future generations, and embodying Islamic values in caring for the environment and achieving sustainable development on land.​