Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Landscape Planning and Characterisation For Ecotourism within Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia: A case Study in Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-10-09) ABU NUHAYYA, AHMED; Dr. Paul BrindleyAbstract This study delivers the first National Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for Saudi Arabia, adapting a methodology traditionally developed for temperate, Western landscapes to an arid, culturally distinct context. While in the UK and Europe LCA frameworks are primarily based on vegetation, topography, and settlement patterns, this research modifies the approach to reflect the unique ecological and geographical characteristics of Saudi Arabia, where arid geomorphology, shifting sand formations, gravel plains, and rocky outcrops are more influential in shaping landscape character than the vegetation-driven diversity typical of temperate Western contexts. A mixed-methods approach was employed comprising: 1. Desk Study: Review of international LCA frameworks and regional studies to develop a Saudi-specific classification system. 2. Site Investigation: Field investigations were conducted to support both the national-scale LCA of Saudi Arabia (Chapter 4) and the local assessment within PMBSRR, including Wadi Al Disah, presented in Chapter 5. 3. Questionnaire Survey (153 participants): Assessment of public perceptions of ecotourism potential in Wadi Al Disah and PMBSRR. 4. Semi-Structured Interviews (21 participants): Engagement with key stakeholders and government representatives to explore the potential role of LCA in planning policy and ecotourism development. Findings demonstrate that LCA can be effectively adapted for arid environments and that the resulting landscape classifications provide an evidence base for conservation and sustainable tourism planning. At the national level, the research highlights inconsistencies between existing protected areas and landscape character types, while the local-scale analysis identifies zones suitable for ecotourism development based on landscape sensitivity and distinctiveness. This work provides a framework for landscape classification in Saudi Arabia and offers a methodological foundation for future planning, aligning with national goals under Vision 2030. The study underscores the broader potential for applying LCA in Gulf countries with similar climatic and geographic contexts.19 0Item Restricted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Methods Incorporating Energy Mix Considerations(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-14) Kurdi, Muntasir Sahal A; You, SimingThe shift towards sustainable mobility has been marked by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by advancements in battery technology, especially lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). As these batteries approach their end-of-life, the environmental, economic, and societal implications of their disposal come to the forefront. This dissertation offers a comprehensive comparative life cycle assessment of electric vehicle battery recycling methods, focusing on their environmental impacts, specifically the global warming potential (GWP) and cumulative energy demand, in the context of energy mix impacts. Three predominant recycling methods are examined: the pyrometallurgical process, the hydrometallurgical process, and direct recycling. The pyrometallurgical process, a high temperature method, primarily recovers metals by smelting and converting them. In contrast, the hydrometallurgical process uses aqueous chemistry to extract valuable metals from spent batteries. The newest and potentially most sustainable method, direct recycling, seeks to reclaim and reuse the cathode and anode materials directly, minimising energy-intensive processes and waste. The primary aim of this study is to understand the environmental impacts of each method. Preliminary findings suggest that the GWP of battery recycling methods is significantly influenced by the energy mix utilised in the processes. The shift towards renewable energy sources in the recycling processes can reduce the carbon footprint, underscoring the critical role of the energy mix in determining the overall sustainability of recycling methods. Moreover, the cumulative energy demand across the methods varies, with direct recycling showing promise as a potentially less energy-intensive approach. However, technological challenges and scalability issues still need to be addressed for it to become a mainstream method. This dissertation bridges the gap between the technical processes of battery recycling and their broader environmental implications, providing stakeholders, from policymakers to industry leaders, with insights to drive sustainable decisions in EV battery management. The study emphasises that while recycling methods offer a pathway to sustainability, their true environmental impact is intrinsically tied to the energy sources that power them.23 0Item Restricted Life cycle assessment of Lime Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) against OPC(2023-07-26) ALBALAWI, AMJAD; Novelli, VivianaMalawi is blessed in limestone and other minerals with economic potential. Because the majority of residents cannot afford cement, the majority of dwellings in Malawi are nonengineered, unreinforced masonry structures built by local artisans with no involvement from engineers. Due to the use of low-quality materials and a lack of construction detailing, these structures are highly susceptible to seismic events. It has been determined that Lime Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) is both cost-effective and a potential replacement for conventional Portland Cement (OPC). By substituting inexpensive LC3 for OPC, structures will be more resilient and durable, and CO2 emissions from the production of OPC will be decreased. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was utilised to compare Lime calcined clay cement (LC3) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The Environmental Footprint database was used in open LCA which contains a vast amount of data related to the environmental impacts of various products and processes. Footprint database includes data on resource consumption, emissions, and other environmental indicators associated with the entire life cycle of products. The results of the study provided strong evidence that LC3 (Low Carbon Cement) surpassed OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) in various crucial environmental aspects. This comparison clearly showed that using LC3 instead of OPC offers significant environmental benefits, making it a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for construction projects in Malawi. Malawi's abundant reserves of limestone and kaolinitic clay make it self-sufficient in producing the essential components of LC3 cement, which in turn, reduces the country's reliance on imported cement. This reduction in imports positively impacts Malawi's trade balance, addressing issues with the cement trade deficit. Furthermore, LC3 cement production positions Malawi to potentially access the export market, further enhancing cement exports and reducing reliance on imports.is not only more sustainable but also contributes positively to environmental preservation112 0