Monitoring IUCN and other conservation species (policies)

Contents

1. Purpose of the Policy

2. Scope of the Policy

3. Legal Framework and National Strategic Mandate

4. Policy Statement

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

6. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

1. Purpose of the Policy

1.1. Qassim University recognizes the need to identify, monitor and protect any IUCN Red listed and other conservation species. This policy outlines the University's commitment to provide a systematic framework for environmental protection and to promote environmental sustainability on its campus and beyond. 

1.2. The University aims to become a model green, sustainable and environment-friendly higher education institution and research organization within the Kingdom, integrating environmental sustainability into daily operations and educational culture.

1.3. Through this policy, Qassim University contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) and supports Saudi Arabia's environmental objectives under Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).

2. Scope of the Policy

2.1. This policy applies to all university campuses, buildings, laboratories, open areas, green spaces, gardens, gardens, parking zones, and surrounding lands managed by Qassim University. This policy also applies to any interactions between University representatives and any IUCN Red-listed species and other conservation species outside the University's campus.

2.2. The policy aims to protect local biodiversity that coexists within and around the university environment, ensuring that native flora and fauna can thrive, and ensuring that any Red listed species and the environment in which these species live and function are properly protected. The intention of this policy is to provide a comprehensive framework for regulating and monitoring all interactions of the University with the environment, including any action that impacts on the environment or has a potential to affect the environment. 

2.3. The policy applies to all members of the University community, including faculty, staff, students, vendors, contractors, contractors, visitors, and suppliers.

3. Legal Framework and National Strategic Mandate

This policy is grounded in the same legislative and strategic base as other SDG 15 policies, ensuring coherence across institutional environmental governance:

• Environment Law (Royal Decree No. M/165 of 2020): Mandates protection of soil and natural habitats from pollution and waste accumulation.
• Saudi Vision 2030 & Saudi Green Initiative: Reinforce commitments to sustainable resource use, restoration of degraded lands, and protection of biodiversity.

4. Policy Statement

4.1. Qassim University is committed to maintaining long-term sustainability of its operations and any ecosystem through a clear and structured policy to protect any IUCN Red listed or other conservation species within all campus areas and beyond. This commitment complements the University's ongoing sustainability initiatives under SDG 15 aimed on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and forests, and safeguarding biodiversity.

4.2. Within this framework, the University actively implements necessary measures to identify, monitor and protect any IUCN Red listed and other conservation species on its campuses and beyond through:

• Knowledge and awareness for sustainability: the University identifies any IUCN Red listed and other conservation species and ensures that all members of the University community are aware of such species and the necessary rules for handling them.
• Education for sustainability: the University integrates environmental education into its curriculum, raising awareness among students about the importance of biodiversity protection and preserving native flora and fauna, ensuring that any IUCN Red listed or other conservation species are properly protected. This fosters a culture of responsible ecosystem management among future generations.
• Research for sustainability: the University conducts research on local plant and animal species, their habitats, the impact of human activities on ecosystems and environmental and sustainable management of IUCN Red listed and other conservation species. This knowledge informs conservation strategies and supports the sustainable management of natural resources.
• Responsible facilities management: 

• The University implements best practices in environmental management to operate existing infrastructure in a more sustainable way to ensure that any IUCN Red listed or other conservation species are properly protected and not harmed in the maintenance of the existing infrastructure.
• The University applies all necessary environmentally responsible principles in the design of any new infrastructure projects to ensure that any IUCN Red listed, or other conservation species are properly protected and managed in such a way to ensure survival for future generations. 

• Responsible effluents, general and hazardous waste management: the University identifies effluent-producing activities, recycling and disposal of general and hazardous waste activities, and ensures that these activities are managed in an environmentally responsible manner to minimize impact or negative effect on any IUCN Red listed or any other conservation species. 
• Compliance: the University ensures compliance with legal and other requirements, and monitors and reviews its environmental performance on a regular basis. 
• Community outreach: collaborating with municipalities, NGOs, schools, and local partners to extend initiatives beyond the university.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

• The President of Qassim University, delegated through the relevant Vice-Presidents, Deans, and Directors, holds the ultimate responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of this Policy.
• Facilities and Services Departments: Proper management of campus infrastructure in a more sustainable and ecological-friendly way to ensure that any IUCN Red listed or other conservation species are properly protected and not harmed. 
• Deanship of Student Affairs: Leads awareness campaigns and environment-focused initiatives.
• Responsible Research Department: Supports academic projects on local plant and animal species, their habitats, the impact of human activities on ecosystems, and environmental and sustainable management of IUCN Red listed and other conservation species.
• Campus Suppliers and Contractors: Comply with the University's policy.
• All University Community Members: Responsible for informing the University Administration about the IUCN Red listed and other conservation species on campus and beyond and participating in awareness programs.

6. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

6.1. This policy will be reviewed every two years by the University Council in collaboration with the Center for Sustainable Development to ensure alignment with national environmental laws, SDG targets, and technological advancements.

6.2. By nurturing land ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and preserving ecosystem balance, Qassim University paves the way for a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans and nature, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.