In this episode of the program “Sakrat” presented by Omar Al-Juraishi, the discussion with Engineer Ziyad Al-Shiha, the CEO of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company, covers a range of important topics related to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its environmental goals. Al-Shiha talks about the vital role his company plays in achieving environmental transformation in the Kingdom, and how waste management strategies can significantly reduce emissions and achieve sustainable goals.
The dialogue reviews the differences between Al-Shiha’s work in major companies like Aramco and the Saudi Electricity Company, compared to the challenges faced by the emerging recycling company. He highlights the necessary actions to create an integrated waste management infrastructure, including the importance of source separation and how to effectively recycle waste. The discussion also addresses how citizens and investors can support these efforts, and what incentives are available for the private sector to enter this initiative.
The discussions also focus on the investment opportunities in this field, emphasizing that waste management is not only a national responsibility but can also be a viable business opportunity. The dialogue covers the company’s future vision and how its investment in new technologies can contribute to job creation and enhancing the national economy. In the end, it becomes clear that the success of these initiatives depends on cooperation between the public and private sectors, and the necessity of raising community awareness about the importance of recycling and environmental conservation.
Environmental Transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve a radical transformation in the way it manages resources and waste, which aligns with Vision 2030 that focuses on sustainable development. The Kingdom aims to reduce reliance on landfills and improve the quality of life by reducing emissions from waste. Under this vision, the goal is to reduce emissions by 13 million tons annually and increase fuel production to approximately 10 to 12 million equivalent barrels per year. In this context, the SIRC (Saudi Investment Recycling Company) is a pivotal part of this transformation, aiming to establish an integrated waste management infrastructure that includes source separation, transportation, processing, and recycling.
SIRC is considered a startup in a new sector aimed at managing waste in an environmentally friendly manner and reusing it effectively. This transformation requires that the process is not merely an emergency measure, but must be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes partnerships with the private sector and the development of modern technologies. The main goal is to convert 95% of the waste that is buried in landfills into reusable resources. This requires building new capabilities and enhancing environmental awareness among citizens.
Engineer Ziyad Al-Shiha’s Experience in the Public and Private Sectors
Engineer Ziyad Al-Shiha has extensive experience in managing major companies, having held positions in several leading companies such as Aramco and the Saudi Electricity Company. His experiences range from working in large and complex companies, like Aramco, which is noted for its precise organization and systematic processes, to managing startup companies, like SIRC, which aims to make a radical change in how waste is handled.
When transitioning from an organized work environment to a startup environment, Al-Shiha faced new challenges that required flexibility and rapid adaptation to changing work conditions. These challenges can be exciting, as they demand critical thinking and innovation, especially in the presence of a competitive market experiencing rapid changes.
His experience in working with different companies helps him understand the factors that affect performance and how to manage diverse teams effectively. The differences in the nature of work and the pressure associated with working in large companies compared to startups reflect the importance of continuous learning and adapting to surrounding conditions.
The Model
The Practical for Sirk Company
Sirk Company was established to be a leader in waste recycling through a business model focused on sustainability and innovation. The company’s operations include several stages starting from source segregation, where waste is divided into different categories such as organic materials, plastics, and metals. These processes, despite their complexity, aim directly to reduce waste sent to landfills and convert it into reusable materials.
The infrastructure developed is an essential part of the business model, including recycling stations and facilities necessary for processing this waste. The company collaborates with government entities and the private sector to develop these facilities and provide the technology needed to achieve higher efficiency. Partnerships with local and international investors also represent a part of the strategy to increase production capacity and improve operations.
Sirk also seeks to provide added value by developing new products from recycled waste, contributing to environmental improvement and enhancing the circular economy. Raising environmental awareness among citizens is an integral part of this strategy, encouraging the public to actively participate in the recycling process.
Challenges and Opportunities in Waste Management
Despite significant progress, challenges still face waste management in the Kingdom, including a lack of public awareness and inadequate infrastructure. This issue represents a major obstacle to achieving the desired goal of reducing waste and improving environmental management. Cultural and practical change from citizens requires significant effort and ongoing collaboration with the government and businesses.
However, the opportunities available in this field are numerous. Investing in recycling technologies can be a significant source of profit and enhance the circular economy that the Crown Prince seeks to achieve through Vision 2030. Additionally, improving waste management can contribute to creating new job opportunities and developing work skills in this sector.
Experiences from other countries, such as Sweden and Germany, show how modern technologies and effective waste management can lead to significant improvements in the environment and society. By applying best practices and adapting them to local conditions, the Kingdom can achieve positive results in this area.
The Role of Citizens in Waste Management and Recycling
Citizens play a crucial role in the success of waste management and recycling strategies. Enhancing environmental culture and raising awareness of the importance of source segregation and utilizing recycling services are essential. There must be effective interaction between citizens, the government, and businesses to achieve ambitious environmental goals.
Sirk seeks to engage the community in its efforts by organizing awareness campaigns and workshops aimed at teaching citizens how to manage their waste correctly. This includes providing information on how to sort waste, the importance of recycling, and how each individual can contribute to improving the local environment.
The government should also promote education and awareness programs targeting children and youth to instill the value of environmental preservation from a young age. Establishing partnerships with schools and universities can have a significant impact on shaping the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
Overall, the role of citizens emerges as a pivotal factor in the success of any environmental strategy, as real change requires everyone to actively participate and collaborate for a better future for the environment in the Kingdom.
The Importance of Collaboration with University Students
Collaboration with university students represents an ideal opportunity to harness the enthusiasm of youth and their new ideas. In this context, the idea of producing fertilizers from organic materials proposed by students of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology was addressed. This type of idea is not only innovative but can play a vital role in improving environmental sustainability. Converting organic materials into fertilizers is an effective solution for waste disposal, utilizing materials that may be considered useless and recycling them into a useful form.
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The private sector should collaborate with universities to establish a “pilot station” to apply this idea in reality, providing practical experience for students and enhancing their ability to innovate. Such initiatives help build a strong link between academic education and the job market, where students can learn how to apply their knowledge in real projects. Consequently, collaboration with universities opens doors to new opportunities and raises environmental awareness among students and society as a whole.
The Role of Community Initiatives in Enhancing Environmental Awareness
The importance of community initiatives, whether from associations or clubs, has been emphasized, as these initiatives express the community’s desire to actively participate in environmental issues. The lack of sufficient support from major companies, such as SIRC, for these clubs has been raised, hindering their progress in achieving their goals. Supporting these entities can make a significant difference in how environmental awareness is promoted within the community, as these clubs can organize workshops, awareness campaigns, and competitive contests that encourage community participation in environmental issues.
Moreover, support from companies can encourage individuals to actively participate in these initiatives, increasing the number of participants seeking positive change. Often, individuals have the desire to contribute but need guidance and care from specialized bodies. For example, major companies can establish financial support programs or provide technical consultations to these clubs, enhancing their ability to achieve their goals. Working to enhance environmental awareness through the local community will lead to a positive impact on levels of awareness and attention to environmental issues within society.
Challenges of Waste Management and the Importance of Engineering in This Sector
Waste management has become an urgent issue and requires innovative solutions based on technology and engineering. The diversity in types of waste necessitates specialized engineering expertise, covering multiple fields such as civil, chemical, and environmental engineering. Each specialization plays a role in designing and managing effective waste disposal and recycling systems. For instance, civil engineers can design facilities that facilitate collection and processing operations, while chemical engineers can work on developing methods to analyze and transform hazardous materials.
There has also been exposure to a set of programs targeting engineering graduates, where training and development are integral to preparation for work in this field. Employing young talents and providing them with training opportunities contributes to building a solid base of engineers capable of effectively addressing the challenges of waste management. Investing in the development of these students’ and graduates’ skills can lead to new innovations in waste management, contributing to achieving government goals in this regard.
Future Trends in Waste Recycling
As environmental challenges increase globally, many countries are moving toward achieving ambitious recycling goals. Saudi Arabia, for example, aims to increase the recycling rate from 5% to 70% by 2025. To achieve this goal, it is essential to have integrated strategies that consider all aspects of waste management, from collection and processing to reuse.
These strategies require cooperation among various sectors, including the public sector, the private sector, and civil society. Each party can contribute to providing suitable solutions. For example, the private sector can develop new technologies to improve recycling processes, while government entities can provide a regulatory framework that ensures the effective implementation of these solutions.
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Public awareness plays a significant role in achieving these goals, as citizens need to understand the importance of recycling and how to participate in these efforts. Awareness campaigns and educational programs can contribute to raising the level of awareness and enhancing effective participation among individuals in the community. Achieving ambitious recycling goals depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders, which contributes to building a more sustainable future.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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