RIYADH: The Kingdom’s environmental and conservation bodies marked World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on Tuesday by highlighting major achievements in land restoration, vegetation recovery and biodiversity protection, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The announcements coincided with activities held across the Kingdom to showcase progress in combating land degradation and advancing environmental sustainability goals under Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
More than 5,100 hectares of natural rangelands have been restored under habitat protection programs in AlUla. (SPA photo)
AlUla reports vegetation recovery
In AlUla, authorities reported significant improvements in ecosystem restoration through programs aimed at rehabilitating natural rangelands and expanding native vegetation cover.
More than 5,100 hectares of natural rangelands have been restored under habitat protection programs, while over 530,000 seedlings representing 60 native plant species have been planted.
The governorate said vegetation cover increased from 6 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2025, reflecting the impact of restoration efforts on ecosystem health and climate resilience.
AlUla’s environmental initiatives also received international recognition after Sharaan National Park was added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Green List for excellence in biodiversity protection and natural area management.
More than 750,000 hectares of degraded land in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve had been rehabilitated, the reserve's management says. (SPA photo)
Royal reserves highlight restoration efforts
The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority also highlighted its conservation achievements, reporting the rehabilitation of more than 750,000 hectares of degraded land and the planting of over 4 million seedlings throughout the reserve.
The authority said its efforts have strengthened biodiversity and expanded habitats for wildlife and native plant species, while partnerships with government, private-sector and nonprofit organizations have supported environmental awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority said it had rehabilitated more than 38,780 hectares of natural areas and planted nearly 1 million native seedlings as part of its ecosystem restoration programs.
The authority also reported documenting 235 plant species within the reserve and operating 10 environmental monitoring stations that provide scientific data to support natural resource management and conservation planning.
Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature said it had rehabilitated more than 38,780 hectares of natural areas. (SPA)
Regional forum promotes cooperation
The environmental achievements coincided with the conclusion of a regional knowledge forum in Jouf organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
Held under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Jouf region, the forum brought together government agencies, international organizations, scientists and environmental specialists to discuss strategies for combating desertification and drought.
Representatives from various countries presented national experiences in land rehabilitation and climate adaptation. (SPA photo)
Recommendations focus on sustainability
The forum’s scientific sessions examined the role of rangelands in maintaining ecological balance and reviewed international experiences in monitoring land degradation, including modern assessment techniques used in Australian rangelands.
Participants concluded the forum by calling for stronger efforts to expand vegetation cover and combat drought and desertification in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and broader environmental sustainability goals.
The recommendations also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and science-based environmental management to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, land degradation and water scarcity.
Participants concluded the forum by calling for stronger efforts to expand vegetation cover and combat drought and desertification in line with Saudi Vision 2030. (SPA)
