RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification in the Northern Borders has launched a large-scale tree-planting campaign across several locations.

Government agencies, volunteers and environmentally conscious individuals are taking part, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The campaign aims to plant more than 11,000 seedlings in Rafha as part of a phased afforestation plan to expand green spaces and enhance the environmental landscape.

The initiative supports national efforts to develop vegetation, protect natural resources, maintain ecological balance and restore biodiversity, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for environmental sustainability and improved quality of life.

Recently, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority planted more than 3,000 seedlings in its nursery in the Jouf region.

The project supports the authority’s efforts to protect the environment and expand vegetation cover as part of its vision for a greener, more sustainable future, the SPA reported.

Volunteers from educational institutions across the region took part in the tree-planting campaign, part of the authority’s involvement in the National Greening Season.

So far, the authority’s environmental initiatives have included planting almost 4 million seedlings and rehabilitating 750,000 hectares of degraded land.

The restoration projects aim to revive ecosystems affected by desertification and overgrazing, helping to restore natural plant life and preserve the Kingdom’s biodiversity.