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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.
