Latest news with #afforestation
Arab News
3 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
Climate innovation can enhance nature-based solutions
Success will depend not only on the number of trees but on how effectively they are planted, maintained, and measured. (SGI photo) As Saudi Arabia commits to planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating 40 million hectares in the coming decades under the Saudi Green Initiative, success will depend not only on the number of trees but on how effectively they are planted, maintained, and measured. Precision, ecosystem sustainability, and transparent monitoring are essential. Emerging climate technologies using artificial intelligence —such as satellite-based remote sensing and advanced carbon quantification platforms — offer transformative tools to enhance the effectiveness of nature-based solutions. This will enable the Kingdom to deliver measurable results while advancing global climate adaptation aspirations. Nature-based solutions, including afforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and wetland restoration, can provide up to 37 percent of the cost-effective carbon mitigation required by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement goals. However, implementing nature-based solutions in Saudi Arabia's hyper-arid environment presents unique challenges. Climate stressors such as extreme heat, saline soils, and water scarcity require data-driven approaches to ensure ecological suitability, long-term survival, and resilience. Technologies such as light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, which use laser pulses to map terrain and vegetation in three dimensions, allow detailed analysis of canopy structure, soil degradation, and vegetation health. When integrated with AI and hyperspectral imaging, these tools can identify optimal restoration sites, track survival rates, and verify carbon uptake in near real time. Institutions such as the National Center for Vegetation Cover could use this technology to improve resource targeting and support digital monitoring, reporting, and verification systems for national and international carbon markets. Globally, countries are successfully leveraging such technologies. Kenya's Regreening Africa initiative employs drone imagery and AI to evaluate large-scale restoration efforts, using geospatial tools to monitor tens of thousands of hectares and significantly improve outcomes. In Peru, satellite-based forest monitoring platforms enhance transparency and help prevent illegal deforestation in Amazonian restoration zones. These examples offer replicable models that Saudi Arabia can adapt and scale. The economic rationale is equally compelling. The social cost of carbon, reflecting the economic damage from each additional tonne of CO2 emitted, can reach as high as $185 per tonne depending on the applied discount rate and modeling assumptions, according to estimates reported in 2022 by Kevin Rennert and fellow researchers in the journal Nature. In contrast, the cost of restoring mangroves to sequester carbon has been estimated to range from $4.50 to $18 per tonne of CO2, depending on site-specific factors and carbon recovery assumptions, while delivering additional benefits such as coastal protection, biodiversity enhancement, and improved fisheries. In a country where approximately one third of the population resides along the coast, restoring mangroves and wetlands becomes a dual-purpose strategy that combines mitigation with adaptation. Technology also reduces the risk of maladaptation, where restoration efforts fail due to poor species selection or lack of climate-fit design. Applying frameworks like dynamic adaptive policy pathways can help Saudi policymakers sequence restoration phases under uncertainty and adjust plans based on feedback and risk thresholds. Even the most advanced tools will fall short without the trust, knowledge, and participation of those most affected by environmental change. Adnan Masoudy & Hassan Alzain Co-developing projects with local communities and scientists ensures financial stability and long-term social resilience. Adaptation finance remains critically underfunded. The Adaptation Gap Report 2024 estimates that the financing needed is between $231 and $416 billion per year, up from previous estimates of $194 to $366 billion, reflecting rising global costs and urgent adaptation needs. To fully realize this potential, Saudi Arabia should prioritize advancing three strategic steps. First, launch a national open-access geospatial dashboard that integrates LIDAR, AI, and remote sensing data to track nature-based solutions progress nationwide. Second, engage more deeply with global platforms such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Global Mangrove Alliance, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility to exchange technical knowledge and obtain access to climate finance. Third, establish a climate and nature tech innovation hub in collaboration with local universities to pilot and localize nature-based solutions, monitoring solutions tailored for drylands, while accelerating the development and deployment of new climate and nature-based startups in the region. As Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, the Kingdom's ambassador to the US, eloquently stated on SGI Day 2025: 'The future is not something that comes at us; it's something we create ... Climate action is not a dream — it is a reality we are building together.' Her words capture the spirit of SGI as not just a national strategy, but a movement defined by momentum, measurable action, and collective resolve. That momentum is already visible. As of 2024, Saudi Arabia has planted over 115 million trees and restored 118,000 hectares of degraded land — a significant leap from where the journey began just a few years ago. These achievements demonstrate that bold climate pledges are being converted into tangible, large-scale outcomes on the ground. But technology and investment alone are not enough. As explained by Robert Klee, senior lecturer and managing director of clean energy programs at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment: 'Nature-based solutions can be empowered by technology, but must be governed by people — especially those most vulnerable to climate risks. 'It is in aligning science, justice, and local knowledge that real climate progress takes root.' This insight points to a deeper truth: meaningful climate progress depends as much on governance and inclusion as it does on innovation. Even the most advanced tools will fall short without the trust, knowledge, and participation of those most affected by environmental change. Within the SGI framework, embedding local leadership and equity into restoration design can elevate both the impact and legitimacy of nature-based solutions across Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes. By fusing nature and innovation, and engaging local communities in the development and deployment of nature-based solutions, Saudi Arabia can transform its drylands into living laboratories of climate resilience. The SGI offers more than a greening strategy. With smart climate technologies, it can become a global model for how climate ambition, ecological science, cutting-edge tools, and social support converge to drive meaningful environmental transformation in the decades to come. • Adnan Masoudy is manager of corporate sustainability, environment, and biodiversity at Ma'aden and Hassan Alzain is author of the award-winning book 'Green Gambit.'
Irish Times
13-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
I'm worried about our home being devalued because our neighbour's trees block light. What can we do?
My husband and I built our home on a site we bought in the mid-1980s. All the land adjoining our site was sterilised by the county council so that no further building could take place. We had lovely views of the mountains and plenty of sunshine giving light to our garden and house. New neighbours moved into the house next door soon afterwards. They planted all of the 23 acres in hardwood forest on two sides of our property, east to south sides, which cuts out our sunshine for a major part of the day, especially in winter. The forest is planted right up to our fence. It is now about 2½ metres high and will grow to nearly 61 metres. I checked if they had planning permission for it, but was told by the council that they didn't need it as it was under 25 acres. We asked them to reduce the height of the trees on our south side and they agreed they would, but they never did it. I'm worried that it will seriously reduce the value of our beautiful architect-designed home, which will probably be sold in the next decade or so. At present, our solar panels make no electricity early in the day because the sun is low in the sky and the light is blocked out until later in the afternoon. What are our rights, if any? READ MORE Let's look first at afforestation and the relevant licensing requirements. It is worth checking if the planting of trees on your neighbour's property qualifies as afforestation. In Ireland, an afforestation licence is required if the area planted exceeds 0.10 hectares (approximately 0.25 acres). Planning permission, however, is only necessary if the area exceeds 25 acres or involves specific environmental concerns. If the trees were planted for other purposes, such as landscaping or private gardening, licensing rules may not apply. Verifying the purpose of the planting can help clarify whether any rules have been breached. The right to light is a well-established legal concept that protects access to natural light for specific windows of a property. If you have enjoyed uninterrupted access to light through a window for more than 20 years, you may have acquired an 'ancient lights' easement under the Prescription Act 1832. However, this right applies only to specific windows and not to gardens or open spaces. It is also worth noting that there is limited case law addressing tree-related obstructions, making this a legally uncertain area. Property Clinic's Patrick O'Connor is a senior partner at P O'Connor & Son solicitors in Swinford, Co Mayo The distinction between interference by buildings and trees is important. While legal precedents address artificial structures obstructing 'ancient lights,' there is little authority on natural growth such as trees. Planning laws regulate building heights to protect views but leave tree heights unrestricted, offering homeowners minimal options for such obstructions. [ My son lives abroad and wants to sell his house here but the tenant won't move out. What can he do? Opens in new window ] [ Which windows are best to block out noise and retain heat? Opens in new window ] Legal protection for solar panels is even more limited, as Ireland does not have specific 'solar rights' laws guaranteeing access to sunlight for renewable energy systems. Homeowners may be able to pursue a nuisance claim if the shading caused by neighbouring trees severely impacts the panels' functionality, resulting in financial loss or operational issues. Strong evidence, such as reduced energy output or higher electricity bills, would be crucial to supporting such a claim. The right to a view In Ireland, there is no legal right to preserve a scenic view, even if the loss significantly reduces your property's value. Obstructions caused by natural growth, such as trees or woods, do not constitute grounds for complaint unless they breach local building regulations or overhang your property. Precedents such as Potts v Smith (1868) and Webb v Bird (1862) have upheld that there is no entitlement to maintain uninterrupted access to views, wind or air. Your best course of action may be to engage with your neighbour directly. Discussing the issue and negotiating a compromise, such as trimming or reducing the height of the trees, could provide a practical solution. If that fails, consulting a solicitor with expertise in property law can help you explore whether nuisance claims or other legal remedies might apply. Unfortunately, the law provides little relief in many cases involving trees and views, but taking early action and seeking professional advice may help you protect your property's value and functionality. Patrick O'Connor is a solicitor at P O'Connor & Son This column is a readers' service. The content of the Property Clinic is provided for general information only. It is not intended as advice on which readers should rely. Professional or specialist advice should be obtained before persons take or refrain from any action on the basis of the content. The Irish Times and it contributors will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on any content
Arab News
07-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Houthi ceasefire deal
New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has taken another step toward its ambitious afforestation goals with the publication of the official Land Restoration Guide for Non-Agricultural Areas. The guide is a comprehensive manual that will serve as a unified reference to direct environmental restoration projects across the Kingdom. It aims to ensure sustainable land management practices and support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, one of which is to plant 10 billion trees — the equivalent of rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification announced its publication on Wednesday with an event titled 'The Road to Restoring 40 Million Hectares.' Organized under the national afforestation program, the event brought together a range of experts to align on best practices and scientific approaches to land rehabilitation. Sameer Maleakah, director of the center's afforestation department, highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious environmental restoration goals. 'So far, we've restored over 313,000 hectares across various regions of the Kingdom,' Maleakah told Arab News. 'But it's not just about planting. Restoration begins with protecting the degraded areas — those affected by overgrazing, illegal logging, or desertification caused by human activities. 'We return these areas to their natural state, and once restored, they foster biodiversity, richer vegetation and denser tree cover. These sites then serve as natural parks or forests — whether mountainous or valley-based,' he added. Maleakah also highlighted the importance of inclusive action. 'It's crucial to involve local communities, civil society organizations and take full advantage of existing legislation, rainfall and cloud-seeding technologies to ensure success.' The center's CEO, Dr. Khalid Al-Abdulkader, echoed the importance of the program in his opening remarks, saying that land restoration is not only vital for environmental sustainability, but also plays a major role in food security, combating climate change and supporting rural livelihoods. With more than 141 million trees planted to date and restoration efforts underway using rainfall and treated water, the center continues to position the afforestation program as a long-term investment in Saudi Arabia's ecological and developmental future.
Arab News
07-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
New land restoration guide to unify afforestation efforts
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has taken another step toward its ambitious afforestation goals with the publication of the official Land Restoration Guide for Non-Agricultural Areas. The guide is a comprehensive manual that will serve as a unified reference to direct environmental restoration projects across the Kingdom. It aims to ensure sustainable land management practices and support the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, one of which is to plant 10 billion trees — the equivalent of rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification announced its publication on Wednesday with an event titled 'The Road to Restoring 40 Million Hectares.' Organized under the national afforestation program, the event brought together a range of experts to align on best practices and scientific approaches to land rehabilitation. Sameer Maleakah, director of the center's afforestation department, highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious environmental restoration goals. 'So far, we've restored over 313,000 hectares across various regions of the Kingdom,' Maleakah told Arab News. 'But it's not just about planting. Restoration begins with protecting the degraded areas — those affected by overgrazing, illegal logging, or desertification caused by human activities. 'We return these areas to their natural state, and once restored, they foster biodiversity, richer vegetation and denser tree cover. These sites then serve as natural parks or forests — whether mountainous or valley-based,' he added. Maleakah also highlighted the importance of inclusive action. 'It's crucial to involve local communities, civil society organizations and take full advantage of existing legislation, rainfall and cloud-seeding technologies to ensure success.' The center's CEO, Dr. Khalid Al-Abdulkader, echoed the importance of the program in his opening remarks, saying that land restoration is not only vital for environmental sustainability, but also plays a major role in food security, combating climate change and supporting rural livelihoods. With more than 141 million trees planted to date and restoration efforts underway using rainfall and treated water, the center continues to position the afforestation program as a long-term investment in Saudi Arabia's ecological and developmental future.
