Hosted by Jabir Ahmad · TourismShift Conversations
TourismShift Conversations shares practical knowledge, professional experience, and thoughtful perspectives from people helping shape tourism around the world.
In this conversation, Dr. Sahar Alhamedi — Environmental Sustainability Consultant working across environmental innovation and green projects in Saudi Arabia — reflects on her path from a love of nature to applied sustainability work with ministries, national organisations, and international partners.
There are no right or wrong answers in these interviews. What follows are Dr. Sahar’s own experiences and reflections, prepared in TourismShift’s editorial style for launch audiences.
What first inspired you to pursue environmental sustainability as a profession?
From a young age, my interest in nature stems from my love for it and my passion for its beauty. I contemplate the birds, the clouds, the dew on the trees, and the purity and clarity of its air. This made me a woman who loves to write lines expressing the beauty of nature.
Years passed, and I specialised in the field of food and agricultural sciences at King Abdulaziz University. After graduating, I entered the workforce, and I was drawn to the topic of environmentally friendly innovation that benefits nature and does not harm it.
Years passed, and I found my guidance thanks to Allah and then a close friend who helped me obtain specialisation in the field of environmental innovation and sustainable development, which is my goal, thanks to Allah.
Which project has had the greatest impact on your professional journey, and why?
Most of these projects are related to the conservation of protected areas, such as royal commissions, parks, rangelands, and forests, as they focus on ecology, fauna, flora, and everything related to their preservation and sustainability, such as green buildings, air, water, and soil quality, wildlife, and heritage.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in ensuring Vision 2030 development remains environmentally sustainable?
Alignment with local and global principles, strategies, and systems for environmental sustainability, and ensuring that this development has a significant positive impact on the sustainable green ecosystem in all its aspects.
Water and land degradation are among the most prominent challenges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
How important is international collaboration in advancing sustainability at the national level?
It is extremely important, especially since these systems have established a clear standard framework to ensure quality implementation, which is essential for such sustainable green environmental expansion.
How can organisations move beyond compliance and use sustainability as a source of long-term value?
Sustainability and environmental compliance are two sides of the same coin. We cannot pursue sustainability without a living, environmentally conscious approach to compliance that we can use to govern our projects.
What practical steps can destinations take to protect natural ecosystems while supporting local economic development?
Tourism is a current focus for Saudi Arabia, and to achieve a balance between tourism growth and environmental protection, they must adhere to the standards and strategies of the Saudi Ministry of Environment and the IUCN for protected areas.
Which emerging technologies or innovations will most influence environmental sustainability over the next decade?
Green sustainable cities and green sustainable water solutions.
What role do universities, professionals, and young leaders play in accelerating a more sustainable future?
It is a very important role, especially if education and research focus on understanding ecosystems and ecological balance, and if considering sustainability standards ensures the safety of current and future generations and reduces disasters and material and social losses.
How do you see environmental sustainability and tourism becoming more closely connected?
As I mentioned earlier, this involves considering local and international environmental principles and strategies for protected areas.
What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned about creating meaningful environmental impact?
Making a meaningful change in the environment is linked to influencing society, raising awareness and understanding, and consequently, ensuring that societal rights are addressed through legislation that addresses their essential needs for achieving environmental security and balance, thus safeguarding health, the environment, and the economy.
If you could share one message with tourism professionals, policymakers, researchers, and sustainability practitioners, what would it be?
The message would be that tourism is very important, and one of its most prominent features is highlighting the environmental and historical character of countries. It is the duty of tourism institutions to contribute to the environmentally sound development of regions in accordance with internationally recognised standards, and to implement environmental safety and sustainability standards while showcasing their beauty without compromising their history or development.