The event brought together global leaders, environmental experts, and organizations dedicated to protecting the planet’s natural heritage, providing an ideal platform for the Kingdom to showcase its remarkable progress under Saudi Vision 2030.

At its vibrant pavilion, the authority presented an inspiring overview of the Kingdom’s accomplishments in biodiversity conservation, vegetation restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the reserve authority highlighted efforts that have transformed vast areas of the Arabian landscape into thriving ecosystems that balance environmental protection with community and economic development.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, spanning over 91,500 square kilometers, stands as one of the largest protected areas in the Kingdom.

During the congress, the authority shared its impressive record of planting more than 775,000 seedlings, which has resulted in a 9 percent increase in vegetation cover.

These efforts have significantly contributed to combating desertification, restoring natural habitats, and improving overall ecological balance in the region.

One of the highlights of the pavilion was the successful reintroduction of endangered species, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and red-necked ostrich.

These rewilding programs symbolize the Kingdom’s deep commitment to restoring native wildlife populations and preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Visitors learned how careful planning, habitat protection, and scientific monitoring have allowed these majestic animals to thrive once again in their natural environments.

The pavilion’s design itself reflected Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach to conservation. It featured interactive displays of plant and soil models, along with cutting-edge field monitoring devices that demonstrate how technology is being used to track vegetation cover and ecosystem health.

The immersive setup allowed visitors to experience the unique environmental diversity of the reserve, showcasing the seamless integration of science, culture, and sustainability.

Beyond ecology, the authority’s participation emphasized the social and economic dimensions of conservation. The pavilion highlighted projects that empower local communities through ecotourism, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods.

These initiatives not only create jobs and foster economic growth but also cultivate a stronger sense of environmental stewardship among residents.

Visitors were particularly impressed by the tourism-focused exhibits, which showcased how the reserve is becoming a model for eco-friendly travel. Through guided nature trails, wildlife observation areas, and cultural heritage programs, the reserve invites both domestic and international visitors to explore Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty responsibly.

This approach reflects the country’s broader goal of promoting tourism that supports conservation while celebrating the Kingdom’s environmental and cultural heritage.

Delegations and guests from around the world praised the Kingdom’s achievements, describing the Saudi pavilion as one of the most engaging and informative exhibits at the congress.

It highlighted how the Kingdom’s conservation policies align with global sustainability goals, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, which began on October 9 and concludes on Wednesday, serves as one of the most important global gatherings for environmental leadership and innovation. By actively participating in the event, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position as a regional leader in environmental protection and biodiversity management.

In a statement, the authority emphasized that these achievements are part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to enhance natural resource sustainability, in line with Vision 2030’s Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives.

These national programs aim to increase green spaces, combat climate change, and safeguard biodiversity through large-scale environmental projects.

As the congress draws to a close, Saudi Arabia’s participation stands as a proud reflection of the Kingdom’s commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future.

Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to conservation, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve has become a beacon of environmental progress — embodying the harmony between nature, people, and prosperity that defines the next era of Saudi environmental leadership.

Global airlines champion sustainability but urge fair pricing, as IATA highlights the need for cooperation — not competition — in fueling aviation’s cleaner future.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for balanced, transparent pricing in the aviation industry’s green transition, saying airlines are eager to embrace sustainability — but must not be penalized for doing so.

As Europe’s new green jet fuel mandates come into effect, IATA is encouraging regulators, energy suppliers, and airlines to work hand in hand to make cleaner skies achievable for all.

The European Union’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate, which took effect this year, requires airlines to blend at least 2% of their fuel with greener alternatives, with that target set to rise to 6% by 2030.

The goal is to reduce carbon emissions from the aviation sector — one of the hardest industries to decarbonize — by gradually replacing fossil-based jet fuel with sustainable sources such as biofuels or synthetic alternatives.

However, as the aviation industry works to meet these ambitious environmental targets, IATA has raised concerns over rising costs and market practices that could threaten the long-term affordability and scalability of SAF.

According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, some fuel suppliers have taken advantage of the new mandates to increase prices through additional “compliance surcharges,” almost doubling the cost compared to standard market rates. “We fully support the environmental goals behind these policies,” Walsh emphasized in an interview with Reuters, “but fair pricing is essential. We cannot allow sustainability to become an excuse for overcharging.”

While Walsh did not single out any specific suppliers or airlines affected, he urged European regulators to examine the issue and ensure that cost transparency and competitive fairness remain central to the green transition. “Our industry is ready to invest and innovate,” he said. “But we need partnership, not penalties, to get there.”

Airlines Leading the Green Revolution

The aviation industry has been one of the most proactive in embracing global sustainability goals. Major airlines have announced long-term commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with SAF seen as a cornerstone of that mission.

Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80%, offering a powerful pathway toward cleaner air travel.

Still, the challenge lies in scaling production. At present, SAF costs roughly three to five times more than regular jet fuel, mainly due to limited supply and high production costs. Energy companies argue that they need greater investment and stable demand to expand SAF output, while airlines face mounting financial pressure as costs rise.

“Everyone agrees on the importance of sustainable fuel,” said an aviation analyst based in Paris. “The real question is how to make it affordable, accessible, and fairly distributed across the industry.”

The Need for Shared Responsibility

Walsh’s comments come at a time when cooperation between governments, fuel suppliers, and airlines has never been more crucial. IATA has urged policymakers to incentivize innovation and support large-scale SAF production through subsidies, tax relief, and infrastructure investment — much like the renewable energy sector benefited from during its early growth years.

The association’s message is clear: sustainability should be a collective journey, not a competitive battlefield. “We’re not against mandates,” Walsh noted, “but they should drive progress, not profit-taking at the expense of airlines and passengers.”

Several oil majors, including ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, and Shell, have already announced SAF expansion projects, though some have recently scaled back plans due to fluctuating demand and high input costs. Industry experts believe stronger public-private partnerships could bridge this gap, ensuring consistent fuel supply and fair pricing mechanisms.

Aviation’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond

Despite cost challenges, the global aviation sector remains optimistic. Airlines continue to invest in cleaner technologies — from next-generation aircraft to hydrogen-based propulsion research — alongside SAF development.

IATA’s latest report also highlights that the industry is expected to spend nearly $11 billion in 2025 on addressing congestion and supply chain challenges, reflecting its determination to maintain operational stability while advancing sustainability goals.

As Walsh aptly put it, “The skies belong to all of us — and so does the responsibility to protect them. We must build a system that rewards commitment, innovation, and environmental progress, not exploitation.”

With global travel rebounding and climate awareness at an all-time high, the coming decade could define the future of flight. For IATA and its member airlines, the mission remains clear: make aviation greener, fairer, and more resilient — together.