Saudi Reef forum sets record to support sustainability

Al-Ahsa: The first International Forum for Saudi Reef, hosted in Al-Ahsa, was awarded a Guinness World Records certificate for the highest number of attendees in a single day at an agricultural forum globally.

Maha Al-Dhahi, head of the forum’s executive committee, and a keynote speaker at the event, told Arab News: “The Reef Program is a national initiative designed to support small farmers by providing funding, training and capacity-building programs that help them increase their income and improve productivity.

“The program (has run) for seven years with a budget of SR8.5 billion ($2.2 billion), promoting reliance on local production, thereby enhancing the national economy and fostering agricultural sustainability in the Kingdom.”

The forum involved more than 71 entities and presented various inspiring stories. It highlighted environmental awareness, food security and the role of entrepreneurship in fostering economic and social sustainability.