Management of Key Economic Resources in Saudi Arabia and their Contribution to Environmental Sustainability in a Historical Context

Abstract

Historical models of economic resource management were examined to clarify how environmental sustainability policies in Saudi Arabia have been shaped over the past five decades. The qualitative research method was followed, which included reviewing documents, conducting an interpretive analysis, and using semi-structured questionnaires for the policymakers and environmental professionals and tracing the patterns of governance from the 1970s up to modern times. The key results were that the early dependence on the oil revenues was connected with the institutional structures that still focused on fast growth, whereas the environmental protection also was considered as a secondary matter. The long-term effects were recognized in the form of the degradation of the ecosystem, the frequent shortage of water, and the increased pressure caused by climate. Despite demonstrations that Vision 2030 reforms have boosted sustainability on the national agenda by placing renewable energy on the agenda and introducing balanced water management, it was observed that there have been limitations in implementation due to institutional inertia, disparate integration of technology, and poor community participation. Incorporation of policies was thus seen to be improving at a quicker rate than the operational implementation, and coordination across the sectors was seen to be a continual bottleneck. The main implication is that historical path dependence will still impair the adaptive capacity, and thus the effectiveness of reforms will still be underbalanced unless there is an increase in the ability to govern. With that in mind, more compatibility between the reform design and sociocultural context was stressed, a more focused focus on institutional capabilities of monitoring and enforcement and digital platforms was suggested to promote transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making towards the achievement of the goals of sustainability.