RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched a project to restore Hali Wildlife Park in Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Makkah region.

Part of the Saudi Green Initiative, the project aims to enhance vegetation cover and promote sustainable environmental goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The initiative involves planting 90,000 native and wild trees, such as vachellia tortilis, tamarix aphylla, vachellia seyal, balanites aegyptiaca, maerua crassifolia, delonix elata, salvadora persica, leptadenia pyrotechnica and acacia nilotica.

The trees will cover approximately 6 million sq. meters, irrigated using water from nearby dams. A 6-kilometer pipeline will be built to channel water from Wadi Hali Dam to the park.

Hali Wildlife Park is known for its scenic landscapes, diverse vegetation and proximity to Wadi Hali Dam, attracting local and international visitors.

The center’s afforestation efforts contribute to creating green spaces, preserving endangered native plants, lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and controlling sand encroachment.

The center is committed to enhancing and managing vegetation sites, protecting natural resources, combating illegal logging, and safeguarding biodiversity, the SPA reported.