Latest news with #desertification
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.
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Arab News
Nature and progress thrive together in our geoparks
With two major projects — the North Riyadh and the Salma geoparks — Saudi Arabia is embarking on a transformative journey. These projects, woven into Vision 2030, are more than geological marvels; they are symbols of a Kingdom embracing its natural legacy while creating a sustainable future. As a country, we value the timeless beauty of our land and the opportunities these parks create by combining cultural celebration with environmental preservation. Imagine standing in a living museum, where each rock and ridge tells the story of Earth's past. Recently designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, the North Riyadh Geopark is a geological treasure — one that inspires the soul and dazzles the eye. Managed by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, this vast refuge boasts 20 unique geological sites, each a chapter in the story of our planet's evolution, its diversity, and the legacy of the Arabian Peninsula. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the park offers significant potential. Promoting environmental sustainability, water management, and agriculture — pillars that will help lead Saudi Arabia into a better future — it aligns seamlessly with Vision 2030. Here, sustainable tourism thrives, drawing visitors from around the world to witness nature's artistry and support the Kingdom's economic diversification. The center's careful oversight ensures that every step forward protects the land we treasure, preventing desertification and encouraging vegetation cover for future generations. Then there is Thadiq Village, a gem nestled within the heart of the park. Established in 1668 and known as the 'Mother of Guns,' Thadiq reflects our proud past and features ancient sites that honor the bravery of King Abdulaziz in founding our Kingdom. As a country, we value the timeless beauty of our land and the opportunities these parks create by combining cultural celebration with environmental preservation. Abdulelah Al-Nahari This blend of natural beauty and cultural richness offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with both the land and our heritage, a gift that elevates Saudi Arabia's global reputation. Look across to the Salma Geopark and you will find an outdoor paradise for those who seek it. Both dreamers and adventurers are drawn to this rugged haven, with its volcanic formations and hidden oases. Whether scaling rocky peaks, hiking sunlit trails, or gazing at a starlit sky, Salma Geopark provides moments that stir the spirit. It is a playground for diverse interests — hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching — where each experience offers an escape into nature's embrace. For Saudis, picnicking and camping are woven into our identity, not just pastimes. Salma Geopark reimagines these traditions in a modern way. Picture well-equipped campsites where families gather around glowing fires to share stories, blending comfort with the wild. The park also teaches and promotes sustainable practices that ensure our cherished customs endure. Salma reshapes our outdoor habits by fostering a deeper respect for the land, turning simple outings into meaningful experiences rooted in responsibility. But Salma is more than a retreat — it is a celebration of community. Local artists bring the park to life with handcrafted goods and traditional cuisine that spotlight Saudi culture. This vibrant exchange not only supports local businesses but also deepens our pride in our heritage — a living tribute to who we are. Under the guidance of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification — a force dedicated to preserving our natural wealth — both parks thrive through habitat restoration, water conservation, and tree planting. These efforts combat desertification and promote biodiversity, crucial steps toward a vibrant, sustainable Saudi Arabia. These are bold commitments to preserving beauty, seizing opportunity, and building a future where progress and nature walk hand in hand. These places tell our story and shape our destiny — and as we invite the world to witness this transformation, we stand prouder than ever. • Abdulelah Al-Nahari is a business and communications partner at a marketing solutions firm, leading strategic growth initiatives aligned with Saudi Arabia's digital-first vision.
Arab News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Center's agreement aims at combating desertification
JEDDAH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has signed an agreement with the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute to enhance cooperation in combating desertification. The deal was signed by Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader, the CEO of the center, during the visit of Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, to China. The signing followed a decision by the Council of Ministers in December 2024. The agreement aims to foster collaboration in combating desertification, sand encroachment, drought, land degradation, and the impact of drought in arid areas, while promoting the sustainable management of drylands. Al-Abdulkader also held strategic meetings with several prominent Chinese companies to explore potential collaborations with a view to attracting investment to Saudi Arabia. Discussions took place on initiatives such as natural asset management, rangeland rehabilitation, desert resort development, and the transfer of greening and desertification control technologies, supporting Saudi Arabia's vision for a green economy and sustainable land use. Al-Abdulkader met BGI Group representatives in Beijing to explore cutting-edge technologies for mangrove cultivation, which plays a key role in coastal protection, vegetation expansion, and environmental sustainability. He also held discussions at Shanghai Mengfu Environmental Protection Technology Company, focusing on innovative solutions for converting invasive plant species into marketable, eco-friendly products. In the field of environmental design, Al-Abdulkader met representatives from LWK Engineering and Landscape to oversee the company's portfolio of ecological design projects and examine opportunities for collaboration in the planning and development of national parks, botanical gardens, and wetland areas. These engagements reflect the center's commitment to strengthening international partnerships, promoting green investment, and adopting forward-looking solutions that contribute to sustainable environmental development, in line with Saudi Arabia's strategic objectives.
Bloomberg
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
China's Green Push Created More Hay Fever Allergies
By Hi, it's Karoline in Singapore. China is proud of its forestation campaign, but people are wondering whether the government could have picked better plants. More on that in a moment, but first … China's move to contain its northern deserts with a Great Green Wall has resulted in more than 30 million hectares of forest planted in 40 years.
