Introduction

In recognition by the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) of the importance of community partnership and constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, and in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote open government and transparency, this policy establishes a regulatory framework for the e-participation process.

E-participation at the Estidamah Center aims to engage researchers, farmers, investors in the agricultural sector, the private sector, and the general public in decision-making processes, research development, and service improvement. This contributes to achieving the Center’s strategic objectives and enhancing the sustainability of the agricultural sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Purpose

This policy aims to regulate and govern e-participation in a manner that ensures effectiveness and transparency through the following:

1- Enhancing Dialogue: Opening effective and continuous communication channels with the public and all relevant stakeholders to listen to their opinions and suggestions.
2- Supporting Decision-Making: Leveraging feedback and proposals to support the development of policies, initiatives, and research projects related to sustainable agriculture.
3- Promoting Innovation: Encouraging the community to present innovative ideas and solutions that contribute to addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
4- Enhancing Transparency: Informing the public about the Estidamah Center’s plans and projects and engaging them in their various stages in a manner that enhances trust and accountability.
5- Improving Service Quality: Measuring beneficiary satisfaction and obtaining direct feedback to develop and improve the services provided by the Center.

Scope of Application

This policy applies to all topics, services, and projects that the Estidamah Center presents for electronic participation. It includes all relevant stakeholders such as researchers, farmers, investors, government and private entities, and all individuals interested in the sustainable agriculture sector who interact with the Center’s digital channels.

E-Participation Tools and Channels

The Estidamah Center uses a variety of digital tools and channels to enable effective participation, including:

1- Opinion Polls and Surveys: To measure public views on specific topics or to evaluate the quality of services.
2- E-Consultation: To present draft policies, regulations, and new research projects in order to obtain the public’s views and feedback before their adoption.
3- Forums and Discussion Sessions: To provide a platform for open dialogue on challenges and opportunities in the sustainable agriculture sector.
4- Social Media Channels: To receive quick opinions and suggestions and enable direct interaction with followers.
5- “Contact Us” Form: To receive inquiries and general suggestions through the Center’s electronic portal.

Responsibilities and Obligations of Participants

To ensure that the objectives of e-participation are achieved within a positive and constructive environment, participants shall adhere to the following:

1- Respect and Objectivity: Contributions shall be constructive, respectful, focused on the subject of discussion, and free from personal attacks or offensive remarks.
2- Credibility: Participants shall refrain from publishing false information or rumors and shall exercise accuracy when presenting data or facts.
3- Compliance with Regulations: Participants shall comply with the applicable laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the Anti-Cybercrime Law, and shall refrain from publishing any content involving discrimination, incitement, or violation of public morals.
4- Protection of Intellectual Property: Participants shall not publish any materials protected by intellectual property rights without obtaining prior permission.
5- Information Security: Participants shall not publish any harmful information such as suspicious links or malicious software.
6- Privacy: Participants shall refrain from publishing any personal information related to themselves or others.
7- Non-Commercial Use: Contributions shall be made for the purpose of discussion and expression of opinion and shall not be used for promotional or commercial purposes.

The Estidamah Center reserves the right to block or remove any contribution that violates these guidelines without prior notice.

Responsibilities and Commitments of the Estidamah Center

The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah) is committed to the following toward participants in the e-participation channels:

1- Listening and Appreciation: Reviewing all contributions and opinions with seriousness and attention, and appreciating the time and effort made by participants.
2- Transparency in Handling Contributions: Announcing the results of e-participation activities and publishing summaries of the opinions and feedback received whenever possible.
3- Feedback: Clarifying how the contributions were utilized and their impact on the decisions and projects that have been implemented.
4- Accessibility: Ensuring that e-participation platforms and tools are easy to use and accessible to all segments of society, including persons with disabilities.
5- Protection of Privacy: Maintaining the confidentiality of participants’ personal information and not using it except for the purposes for which it was collected, in accordance with the applicable personal data protection policies.

General Oversight

The Information Technology Department at the Estidamah Center oversees the implementation of this policy. Meanwhile, the Partnerships and Corporate Communications Department is responsible for managing and organizing all e-participation activities across the Center’s various channels, reviewing and analyzing received contributions, and submitting reports and recommendations to senior management and the relevant departments within the Center.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed periodically (once every year) or whenever necessary to ensure that it keeps pace with technological and regulatory developments and meets the expectations of relevant stakeholders.