KAUST researchers are using CarboSoil biochar and native biocrusts to revitalize arid lands in Saudi Arabia, enhancing soil fertility, capturing carbon, and reducing erosion. CarboSoil, engineered from poultry waste by KAUST's Himanshu Mishra, improves nutrient and water retention in desert soils. Terraxy, Mishra's startup, aims to convert all of Saudi Arabia's poultry waste into CarboSoil, supporting greening initiatives. Why it matters: This technology offers a sustainable solution to boost domestic food production, combat desertification, and reduce landfill waste in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's food security and environmental goals.
KAUST participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, showcasing its sustainability innovations. KAUST and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) announced the launch of a new international water-research center to be headquartered at KAUST. KAUST also entered a SAR100 million agreement with the National Center for Palm and Dates (NCPD) for date-palm sector research. Why it matters: These initiatives highlight KAUST's commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s data-driven “green” efforts beyond 2030 and addressing critical environmental issues.
Terraxy, a KAUST startup, is providing solutions to transform Saudi deserts into fertile landscapes using CarboSoil, an advanced biochar product. CarboSoil improves soil fertility, conserves water, and enhances plant growth, and is tailored to counteract the alkaline nature of Saudi sandy soils. Terraxy is working with Saudi Aramco and NEOM to implement its technologies, servicing over 60,000 native plants. Why it matters: This innovation directly supports the Saudi Green Initiative and offers a sustainable approach to combat desertification and promote food production in the region.
Abu Dhabi has launched a plan to revive its deserts by planting 10 million seeds across designated areas. This large-scale initiative aims to restore native flora and enhance the region's ecological balance. The project is part of a broader strategy to combat desertification and promote biodiversity. Why it matters: Such ambitious environmental projects in the UAE often integrate advanced technologies like AI for optimal planning, monitoring, and execution, demonstrating the region's commitment to sustainable innovation.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) and KAUST have launched the SAUDINet initiative. The initiative aims to advance terrestrial ecology research in Saudi Arabia, focusing on restoring degraded lands, enhancing carbon sequestration and preserving biodiversity. NCVC’s workforce will receive specialized training in biodiversity monitoring and ecological sampling, with samples analyzed in KAUST’s labs. Why it matters: The partnership aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the study of arid ecosystems and address the lack of data from hyper-arid lands in climate models.
KAUST researchers, in collaboration with Aeon Collective, have issued a call for global leaders to prioritize land restoration and food systems. Their policy paper, launched at COP16 in Riyadh, outlines a framework for halving degraded land by 2050. The initiative aims to reverse the negative impacts of land degradation, including increased food insecurity and exacerbated climate change. Why it matters: The focus on land restoration at a major UN conference hosted in the Middle East highlights the region's growing role in global sustainability efforts and the importance of addressing desertification.
KAUST's Urban Lab is developing green infrastructure solutions to combat the urban heat island (UHI) effect in arid climates. Researchers are focusing on using vegetation for shading and evapotranspiration, as well as increasing albedo with reflective surfaces. The team is using machine learning to analyze heat patterns and urban expansion to inform sustainable architecture and landscape design. Why it matters: This research is crucial for creating more livable and sustainable urban environments in Saudi Arabia and other regions facing desertification and water scarcity.
KAUST and The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) have launched an Experimental Station and Ecological Observatory in Wadi Qudaid National Park. The station aims to test environmental improvement interventions and desert afforestation methods, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative through research on the local plant environment via the KSA native genome project. KAUST Professor Rod Wing has led the project since 2022, hoping the station will contribute to the national revegetation project. Why it matters: The station represents a significant collaboration to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices in line with Saudi Arabia's green initiatives.