Joining Hands for the Environment in Northern Area

Alongside tranquil summer sea breezes wafting off sparkling aquamarine waters onto coastal plains in the Arabian Gulf’s northwest corner, rises Aramco’s Northern Area Oil Operations (NAOO) offshore and onshore operations.

The facilities, some decades-old, quietly operate among the flowing waters and shorelines, and each are living examples that oil and gas operations can coexist with environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

“The wildlife living and migrating through our Safaniyah and Tanajib sites demonstrate the mutual coexistence of Aramco’s operations, environmental protection, and the reliable supply of energy and feedstock product to the world,” said NAOO vice president Dawood M. Al-Dawood.

NAOO recently held cleanup campaigns at its Manifa and Safaniyah operations.

More than 100 people cleaned up the Tanajib shoreline, Safaniyah lagoon, and areas around the Manifa facilities, supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision toward promoting a cleaner, greener country.

Working together, participants from NAOO — employees, support organizations, and contractors — cleared up four tons of garbage. 

NAOO environment ambassadors 

Supporting NAOO’s emphasis on the importance of protecting and preserving the environment in alignment with Aramco’s environmental vision are the “Northern Area Focused Environmental Ambassadors.”

Biodiversity and restoration efforts by NAOO include mangrove and tree plantations, algae cultivation, protecting coastal sanctuaries, cleaning the desert and offshore islands, rescuing dhubs and preserving their natural habitats.

NAOO also supports local fisheries and enhancing marine biodiversity, and holds online and on-site awareness campaigns for employees and local communities. 

Safaniyah Area Producing general manager Ali S. Al-Ajmi said, “Environmental and health protection is an Aramco and NAOO core value.”

Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives

In March this year, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud announced the launch of the Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives.

HRH the Crown Prince noted that, as a leading global oil producer, the Kingdom fully recognizes its share of responsibility in advancing the fight against the climate crisis. 

“Just as the Kingdom underpinned energy markets during the oil and gas era, it is going to become a global leader in forging a greener world,” he said.

HRH the Crown Prince said the Kingdom and the region face significant climate challenges, such as desertification, an immediate economic risk to the Kingdom and the region — $13 B is currently lost due to dust storms in the region every year.

“We will work through the Saudi Green Initiative to raise vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution and land degradation, and preserve marine life,” added the Crown Prince.

Main image caption: Memebers of NAOO take part in the cleanup.