In the vast deserts of the Kingdom, something remarkable is happening. Barren sand is being transformed into fertile soil, and at the heart of this transformation are Saudi Arabian women. As part of the ambitious Vision 2030’s Green Saudi Initiative, the Kingdom is making bold investments not only in sustainability but also in empowering its women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Orn Supaphol, Chief Technical Officer at Saudi Desert Control, explains how Liquid Natural Clay technology is key to combating desertification in the region.
According to Supaphol, the innovative solution allows desert sand to retain water and nutrients more effectively, turning arid waste into productive soil. This approach not only tackles one of Saudi Arabia's largest environmental challenges but also demonstrates the effectiveness of a diverse workforce, where women play a pivotal role. In fact, Saudi women make up 40 percent of STEM graduates, surpassing many Western nations.
Decades of investment in sustainability have positioned Saudi Arabia to undertake significant environmental initiatives. King Salman Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, emphasizes restoring soil health and increasing green spaces as critical components of the wider Saudi Green Initiative. Native tree planting and sustainable water management systems will ensure that the urban environment remains resilient.
In the laboratories of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), cutting-edge research is taking place to further sustainable practices. Himanshu Mishra, an associate professor, has focused on developing innovative materials to address some of the Kingdom's pressing environmental issues, particularly around water usage and soil quality.
Mishra highlighted a startling fact: 80 percent of Saudi Arabia's water supply is allocated for food production, despite the reality that much of that food is imported. This prompted him to co-found SandX, a biodegradable sand coating that significantly reduces evaporation, mimicking natural properties found in wildlife.
“This material, it hates water. It absolutely hates water,” said Mishra, demonstrating how each grain of SandX, coated with a biodegradable wax, minimizes water loss in agricultural settings. With this invention, he aims to offer innovative solutions that provide a sustainable alternative to traditional practices that aren’t viable long term.
Moreover, the development of CarboSoil, derived from organic waste, presents an exciting breakthrough in soil management. Instead of releasing carbon back into the atmosphere, this technology locks it into the soil while enhancing plant growth. Field trials are currently progressing, heralding a transformative potential for agricultural inputs across the desert landscapes.
Mishra noted, “This is the only technology known to humanity that does soil amendment and carbon capture at the same time.” Within the coming five years, he anticipates that Saudi Arabia will be heralded as a leader in carbon dioxide removal globally.
The interconnected challenges of water scarcity and soil depletion necessitate bold actions — actions that not only stem from technological innovation but also from inclusive practices that value multi-faceted perspectives. Diversifying the workforce by engaging women scientists and engineers, as outlined by Supaphol, leads to better decision-making and more effective solutions.
“Saudi women are turning sand into soil and shaping a more sustainable world,” declared Supaphol. Their leadership in STEM fields is crucial in restoring degraded landscapes and ensuring that the Kingdom's vision for a sustainable future is not merely aspirational but within reach.
The Kingdom is recognized as making substantial efforts to reverse the ecological damage done by years of intensive cultivation methods and climate stress. Investing in women and creating an inclusive environment within these sectors will significantly bolster the impact of sustainability initiatives, ultimately leading to resilient communities.
As this transformation unfolds, those who once considered doing something to improve the nation's landscape may now realize they can play a critical role in shaping its future. To the young women of Saudi Arabia pursuing careers in science and sustainability, the path is paved by innovation and the potential for meaningful impact.
In summary, the remarkable efforts of Saudi women and the pioneering technologies being developed are spearheading a movement toward sustainability that blends empowerment with environmental responsibility. With continued support for women in STEM, the future for Saudi Arabia looks bright — turning sand into soil, one project at a time.