In a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability and integrating cultural heritage with green spaces, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha region, represented by its office in Al-Makhwah Governorate, launched a unique initiative to plant 700 saplings throughout the ancient village of Dhi Ain. This initiative, implemented on Wednesday, is an integral part of the ambitious "Green Saudi Arabia" program and coincides with the national tree-planting season, which this year is being held under the slogan "A Hand Plants, and the Land Flourishes.".
National context: Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030
These local efforts fall under a broader strategic framework launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in March 2021: the “Saudi Green Initiative.” This national initiative aims to reshape the Kingdom’s environmental future by planting 10 billion trees within its borders over the coming decades and rehabilitating nearly 40 million hectares of degraded land. The initiative’s objectives extend beyond afforestation to include reducing carbon emissions and protecting terrestrial and marine areas, directly aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to build a prosperous economy, a vibrant society, and an ambitious nation where environmental sustainability is a cornerstone.
Significance of the site: The historic village of Dhi Ain
The selection of the ancient village of Dhi Ain was not arbitrary; the village is considered one of the most prominent heritage and tourist destinations in the Kingdom. Its history dates back more than 400 years, and it is distinguished by its unique stone buildings constructed atop a white quartz mountain, surrounded by banana, lemon, and date palm groves irrigated by a freshwater spring that flows year-round. Planting seedlings around the village not only aims to combat desertification but also contributes to enhancing the village's aesthetic appeal, protecting its soil from erosion, and improving the local climate, thus increasing its attractiveness as a destination for ecotourism and heritage tourism.
Impact of the initiative and its expected goals
Engineer Fahd bin Muftah Al-Zahrani, Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha region, explained that the initiative aims to achieve several interconnected goals. Locally, it seeks to enhance vegetation cover, contribute to mitigating the effects of desertification, and raise environmental awareness among community members. At the national and regional levels, such initiatives are a cornerstone of national efforts to combat climate change. The initiative was implemented through fruitful cooperation between several entities, including the Al-Makhwah Governorate Municipality, Al-Jawa Center, the Dhi Ain Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, with the active participation of volunteer teams, reflecting the importance of concerted community efforts to achieve sustainable development.
