RIYADH: Intending to expand vegetation cover across Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification has recently planted 100 million seedlings in Al-Jouf province.
Among the species planted were saltbushes, mugworts, Acacia etbaica and Calligonum comosum, distinguished by their ability to survive in harsh and dry climates.
The plants play a role in stabilizing soil, combating desertification, absorbing carbon dioxide and providing shelter to bird species.
The Kingdom’s northern region has seen considerable efforts lately to improve vegetation cover as part of the country’s sustainable development objectives.
These include increasing the amount of greenery, part of the ongoing efforts for the national Saudi Green Initiative.
The center is also focusing on preserving the environment and developing the nation’s natural treasures, and recently announced its National Greening Season 2025.
The initiative emphasizes the significance of planting native plants, raises awareness of environmentally incorrect practices and encourages volunteer work.
Furthermore, NCVC has completed its afforestation efforts in various locations in Al-Jouf, where they planted 19 species at Al-Tamriyat Field Experiment and Wild Seed Production Station, as well as the Basita Pasture Seed Production Station, to produce seeds for the rehabilitation of degraded lands in Saudi Arabia.
The planting season by NCVC has also continued to reach other nature reserves and regions in the nation, such as the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority’s participation in planting 2,000 seedlings through a group of volunteers from Al-Asafiyah Center in the Tabuk region.
