The National Afforestation Program in Saudi Arabia emphasized the pivotal role of field monitoring and verification in ensuring the success of degraded land rehabilitation projects, stressing that these steps are essential for achieving the goals of the "Saudi Green Initiative." This ambitious initiative aims to rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land, equivalent to planting 10 billion trees across the Kingdom, in a move designed to restore natural vegetation cover and address the challenges of desertification, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
This confirmation came during a specialized national workshop on "Field Verification in Land Rehabilitation," organized by the program in strategic partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The workshop was attended by a select group of experts, specialists, and representatives of relevant stakeholders, and addressed existing challenges and explored strategic opportunities to enhance the efficiency of afforestation projects.
The importance of field monitoring in environmental sustainability
In a related context, the CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, Engineer Ahmed Al-Ayadah, explained that land assessment and rehabilitation processes are not merely technical procedures, but rather represent a long-term strategic investment in the Kingdom's future. Al-Ayadah pointed out that the integration of precise scientific assessment with sound field implementation, supported by institutional backing, is the way to enhance environmental security, bolster the pillars of the green economy, and improve the quality of life for the population.
Al-Ayadah added that the ultimate goal of tightening control over the ecosystem is to increase the success rates of rehabilitation projects, direct resources and efforts towards the highest priority sites, and select appropriate scientific interventions for each level of environmental degradation, thus ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
Context of the initiative and its strategic dimensions
These initiatives fall under the umbrella of the Saudi Green Initiative, launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in 2021, which is one of the world’s largest afforestation programs. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution and land degradation, and preserve marine life. These efforts are particularly important given the Kingdom’s geographical and climatic characteristics, where desertification is a major environmental challenge requiring innovative and sustainable solutions.
Expected economic and environmental impact
The benefits of this massive project extend far beyond the environmental sphere, encompassing significant economic and social returns. The rehabilitation of 40 million hectares will contribute to boosting ecotourism and creating new job opportunities in the environmental and agricultural sectors, in addition to its role in moderating the climate and reducing temperatures in the targeted areas. Furthermore, collaboration with reputable international organizations such as the FAO ensures the implementation of global best practices, solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading nation in climate action and ecosystem restoration at both the regional and international levels.
The workshop concluded with the FAO reaffirming its commitment to continue working jointly with the National Afforestation Program to include all targeted sites, thus ensuring the documentation of the Kingdom’s efforts and their global recognition as a model to be emulated in managing major afforestation projects.
