15. Life on Land

The university announced the schedule of works for the «First International Conference on Natural Resources Sustainability: Sustainable Solid Waste Management,» organized by the university's College of Engineering, during the period from 6-9 Rabi al-Awwal of next year 1441 AH. The conference aims to contribute to the preparation of a vision for sustainable solid waste management at the national and global levels, to clarify the volume of wasted natural and economic resources, and to estimate the environmental cost of waste.

Abstracts from researchers wishing to participate in the conference activities will be received starting on the 26th of Sha'ban, through registration on the university's website at the following link: sdc2019/. On the 10th of Ramadan, the acceptance of abstracts will be announced. Early registration will close on the 12th of Shawwal 1440 AH. The submission of full research papers will begin on the 4th of Dhu al-Hijjah, and their acceptance will be announced on the 16th of Muharram 1441 AH, prior to the conference's convening in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal.

For his part, Professor Dr. Khaled bin Bani Al-Harbi, Vice President for Development and Quality and head of the organizing committee, affirmed that this international conference comes at this time in line with the Kingdom's vision, which promotes the concepts of sustainability, especially regarding natural resources, in order to preserve them and invest them correctly to ensure their continuity and survival for future generations, God willing. He pointed out that the per capita consumption rates globally in general, and in the Kingdom in particular for some goods and services, are among the highest rates, which in turn generates a huge amount of solid waste, and this in turn depletes these important resources.

“Al-Harbi” added that the concept of sustainable development frames this moderate dealing with resources to ensure their continuity and preserve them for future generations. Hence, the importance of applying sustainable solid waste management to achieve optimal exploitation of natural resources and maximize their benefit. From this perspective comes the importance of encouraging initiatives aimed at improving sustainable waste management, maximizing the benefit of applying modern technologies in this field, and raising community awareness about the nature of risks resulting from its mismanagement.

The president of the conference organizing committee believes that improving waste management performance achieves the sustainability of natural resources and their optimal utilization, and limits their depletion. He emphasized the importance of holding such specialized scientific meetings aimed at highlighting everything new in this vital field, as Qassim University sensed the importance of this topic and adopted the organization of the first international conference for the sustainability of natural resources and shedding light on the sustainable management of solid waste, from the standpoint of its leading community role to contribute to raising the efficiency of natural resource management to achieve optimal community development.

The conference will explore the necessary measures for transforming to sustainable food systems with reduced losses and food waste, and stimulate integration among partners from different specializations for sustainable waste management. Additionally, it will examine opportunities to encourage investment in waste recycling technology development in the Kingdom, study the obstacles to investment in waste processing industries, and establish a system for environmental awareness, education, and training with the participation of individuals and communities. It will also link research and studies from Saudi and international universities to development requirements and confronting national challenges.

The conference includes several themes. The first theme addresses sustainable waste management practices across all stages, “from generation and source separation, collection, transportation, conversion, and finally disposal,” and at all levels, “planning, management, operation, maintenance, and investment.” The second theme discusses how to manage food loss and waste at the production and consumption levels. The third theme discusses investment in waste recycling and conversion industries, while the fourth theme addresses sound waste management from a Sharia and cultural perspective.

The university expanded its organization of this conference due to the high per capita consumption rates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for certain goods and services, which are among the highest globally. This has increased the volume of solid waste generated. Furthermore, the Kingdom's natural resources are being depleted and degraded due to high consumption rates that conflict with the application of sustainable development concepts. In addition to the need to transfer and localize modern global technologies in the field of waste management in a way that is compatible with the Kingdom's circumstances, and the need to address the challenges arising from waste, which is the responsibility of every member of society. .

The university also aims to raise societal awareness of the risks arising from waste generation, encourage initiatives aimed at improving sustainable waste management, and provide opportunities for exchanging expertise and knowledge between specialists in waste management and sustainable development.