RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology on Saturday signed a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate innovation and sustainability in environmental and agricultural science in the Kingdom.
The deal seeks to strengthen the integration between the two entities, aligning KAUST鈥檚 research efforts with the ministry鈥檚 strategic plan.
It also aims to advance environmental protection efforts and leverage expertise, as well as contribute to sustainable food and agriculture security in 黑料社区.
The agreement was signed during a visit to KAUST by Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadli.
Al-Fadli toured the second phase of the KAUST-MEWA Algal Biotechnology Development and Aquaculture Facility in the university鈥檚 Research and Technology Park.
The facility is set to transform food production to meet the Kingdom鈥檚 animal-feed demand and create thousands of local job opportunities.
Al-Fadli said his ministry鈥檚 research and innovation executive plan focuses on embracing technology and innovation to address challenges in the sector.
He highlighted the project鈥檚 goal of establishing the algae industry and related technologies within the Kingdom, creating employment prospects and mitigating the impact of carbon emissions.
KAUST President Dr. Tony Chan said: 鈥淣ot only are we introducing cutting-edge technology, but we are also nurturing the next generation of Saudi algae farmers.鈥
He added: 鈥淭hrough training programs, we equip them with the knowledge and skills to cultivate, produce, harvest and process algae 鈥 fostering a homegrown aquaculture industry marked by expertise and innovation.鈥
KAUST also signed a range of agreements with other parties during the visit.
