Latest news with #NCVC
Saudi Gazette
28-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia studies ways to combat forest fires and promote sustainability
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has completed a study titled "Methods of Preventing Forest Fires and Addressing Their Impacts in the Southern and Southwestern Regions of Saudi Arabia," in collaboration with King Khalid University and Monash University in Australia. This study is part of its efforts to enhance forest protection and reduce the risk of fires, in order to achieve environmental sustainability goals. The study included a comprehensive assessment of forest conditions, the creation of a digital database, and the development of an integrated action plan that includes relevant agencies, defining the tasks of each agency. It utilized modern technologies such as early warning and drones. It also presented field designs and sustainable alternatives for creating strategic corridors, developed a guide for post-fire forest rehabilitation, established an organizational structure for a joint operations room, and activated the role of the community and volunteer teams in prevention and control. It also placed particular importance on community engagement, by developing a comprehensive mechanism that enables community volunteer teams in forest areas to effectively contribute to prevention and control efforts through training, qualification, and integration with the work of official agencies. This study represents a distinguished model of institutional, technical, and societal integration in the field of forest development and protection. It affirms Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its natural resources and confronting the challenges of climate change, reflecting a strategic vision that seeks to achieve a balance between development and the protection of ecosystems. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is working to enhance the presence of sustainable vegetation cover in forests. It has adopted an initiative to plant 60 million trees, equivalent to rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030. In addition, it works on the executive regulations for vegetation cover development and combating desertification, through Article 6 on forest regulations. This aims to prepare and implement a national plan for sustainable forest management, work to protect, preserve, and develop forests, and regulate grazing in forest lands.
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia, China to Cooperate on Parks, Reforestation and Anti-Desertification
A recent Saudi delegation's visit to China marked a significant step toward deepening environmental cooperation between the two countries, with a focus on reforestation technologies and combating desertification, said Khaled Alabdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC). Alabdulkader said the visit, led by Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, included high-level meetings and site visits to explore China's pioneering experiences in land reclamation and vegetation cover development. In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Alabdulkader described the trip as 'rich and beneficial,' revealing that a memorandum of understanding was signed between the NCVC and China's Gansu Desert Control Research Institute. The agreement follows a Saudi Cabinet resolution passed in December 2023 authorizing the minister to negotiate and sign the MoU to strengthen cooperation in combating desertification. The Saudi delegation met with executives from major Chinese firms to discuss launching joint investment projects in Saudi Arabia, including initiatives in natural resource management, rangeland rehabilitation, and the development of desert parks and eco-resorts, said Alabdulkader. The discussions also explored transferring tree-planting technologies and desertification control methods as part of the Kingdom's broader push to promote green economic growth and sustainability, he added. 'We aim to localize these technologies to help achieve our environmental goals and enhance sustainability in Saudi Arabia,' Alabdulkader said, expressing hope for expanded collaboration and further agreements building on the outcomes of the visit. Talks also covered advanced techniques in mangrove cultivation, which are critical for coastal protection and boosting vegetation, as well as environmental protection innovations and the economic potential of invasive plants, including converting them into eco-friendly products. Additionally, Alabdulkader held discussions with a Chinese environmental design company to explore cooperation on national park and wetland development in Saudi Arabia. The visit, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China in the sectors of environment, water, and agriculture. The visit also sought to open new export channels for Saudi products to the Chinese market and facilitate the introduction of more than 20 new food products from Saudi Arabia. As part of the official visit, the Saudi delegation participated in the Saudi-Chinese Forum for Exporting Saudi Products and Agricultural Sustainability. The forum concluded with the signing of 57 agreements and MoUs between 36 Saudi and Chinese entities, with investments exceeding SAR 14 billion ($3.7 billion). These included 26 export agreements and 14 MoUs between the National Center for Palms and Dates and various Chinese companies and government agencies, aiming to boost global visibility and exports of Saudi dates and date-based products.
Leaders
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Showcases Forest Conservation Efforts at UN Forum
Saudi Arabia is actively participating in the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), currently taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The event has brought together global delegations, along with leading environmental and forestry experts, to advance international dialogue on sustainable forest management. United Nations Forum on Forests During the opening session, Dr. Najeeb Alsubhi, head of the Saudi delegation, delivered the Kingdom's national address. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's local and regional initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring forests, and called for stronger international cooperation to secure the long-term sustainability of forest ecosystems. Later in the session, Dr. Saleh Alzamanan, Director of Mangrove Forests at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), emphasized the importance of empowering local communities to derive sustainable benefits from forests, aligning community engagement with broader environmental goals. The UN Forum on Forests serves as the leading global platform for forest-related discussions. It aims to promote sustainable forest management, preserve natural resources, balance economic and environmental priorities, and monitor progress toward the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. Moreover, the forum also focuses on reversing deforestation, expanding protected forest areas, and advancing the role of forests in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Saudi Arabia's participation reflects its strong commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and leadership in forest sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the Kingdom recognizes the vital role forests play in combating desertification and climate change, reducing urban heat, and enhancing biodiversity—key components of its broader sustainable development vision. NCVC As part of the forum, the NCVC will host a side event on Wednesday in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The session will also highlight Saudi Arabia's forest protection strategies and promote international collaboration for sustainable forestry. The NCVC continues to lead several major initiatives, including the ambitious 'Grow 60 Million Trees' campaign, which aims to rehabilitate 300,000 hectares of land by 2030. In addition, the NCVC enforces the Executive Regulation for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, with a strong focus on Article Six related to forest management. This article mandates the implementation of a national sustainable forest plan and the regulation of grazing within forested areas. Related Topics: King Salman Reserve Authority Enhances Environmental Conservation, Ecosystem Restoration Saudi Green Initiative Day: Fostering Culture of Environmental Responsibility Riyadh Hosts First National Greening Forum Green Riyadh Program begins afforestation of residential neighborhoods, starting with Azizia Short link : Post Views: 15
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Arab News
How Saudi forestry supports biodiversity and mitigates the effects of climate change
RIYADH: It is easy to think of Saudi Arabia as a land dominated by endless dunes and sun-scorched plains. But beyond the sweeping deserts lies an unexpectedly rich tapestry of ecosystems — forests that climb mountains, shade winding valleys, and line the coastal edges of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. While forests cover just 1.1 percent of the Kingdom's landmass, they play an outsized role in preserving biodiversity, storing carbon, and improving food security. Their ecological importance — and their fragility — has placed them at the heart of Saudi Arabia's green transformation. 'The forest area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to 2.7 million hectares, representing 1.1 percent of the Kingdom's area,' Najeeb Alsubhi, head of the Valley Forests Department at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, told Arab News. 'This includes mountain forests spread across the southern and southwestern parts of the Kingdom, distinguished by juniper trees, as well as the atam (wild olive) tree, in addition to groups of acacia trees.' Mountain forests trace the high ridgelines from Taif down to Jazan, while valley forests — dotted with sidr and acacia — stretch through much of the country's interior. Along the coastlines, clusters of mangroves thrive in tidal wetlands, providing critical habitat and natural coastal defenses. Despite their modest footprint, these forests are ecological powerhouses. Globally, forests are known to contribute more than 80 percent of biodiversity, regulate climate, limit desertification, and provide essential products from honey to medicinal plants. In Saudi Arabia, they are also a buffer against desert creep and climate shocks — an increasingly vital role as the Kingdom confronts environmental challenges. To protect and expand this natural wealth, Saudi Arabia has launched a forest conservation and rehabilitation drive, led by the NCVC. The center is planting more than 3.5 million trees and working to protect native species by mapping and restoring perennial tree habitats. Recognizing the growing threat of wildfires, the NCVC has also established dedicated forest and fire monitoring systems, alongside research centers and public education initiatives aimed at long-term forest sustainability. Among the most significant of these efforts is a new project to assess the health and changes in forest cover across five key regions: Al-Bahah, Jazan, Asir, Najran, and Taif. • Saudi forests are home to 97 species of tree and cover 2.7 million hectares of the Kingdom's territory. • Healthy forests contribute more than 80 percent of the biodiversity found in the natural environment. • Although predominantly desert, Saudi Arabia also has mountain forests, valley forests, and mangroves. This initiative, part of the National Forest Inventory Program, is a collaboration between the NCVC and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The project is designed to support sustainable forest management while meeting international environmental reporting obligations related to biodiversity, climate change, and land use. Strategies include data collection, identifying key forest locations, and using precision tools like digital hypsometers to measure tree height and forest structure. Together, these efforts reflect a growing awareness of the vital role Saudi Arabia's forests play — not only as ecological assets but as symbols of renewal in a land long known for its arid extremes. As the Kingdom pushes ahead with its broader climate and environmental goals, these green sanctuaries, hidden among the peaks and valleys, may prove to be among its most valuable treasures.
Arab News
24-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi rewilding program: Endangered wildlife released in Riyadh reserve, rare oryx born in Qassim park
RIYADH: Over 30 endangered animals had been released into Riyadh's King Khalid Royal Reserve as part of the Kingdom's rewilding program, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. The release included 20 Arabian sand gazelles, five Arabian oryx, four wild hares, three steppe eagles, and a Black kite, according to the National Center for Wildlife (NCW). The NCW, in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, maintains a breeding center in the reserve. In the central region of Qassim, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has reported the birth of an Arabian oryx in Qassim National Park. The birth of the wildlife was documented in all stages by a team from the NCVC, giving specialists to study the behavior of this endangered native species, a separate SPA report said. Saudi Arabia is a global leader in protecting the Arabian oryx. Since the 1970s, it has launched a national program with international organizations to save the species from extinction. Efforts have included establishing reserves like Mahazat as-Sayd and Uruq Bani Ma'arid, implementing captive breeding programs, and supporting gradual reintroduction, making Saudi Arabia a global model for wildlife protection.
