National initiative to promote vegetation cover
In a move aimed at raising environmental awareness and contributing to national sustainability goals, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association launched its national environmental protection program at King Salman National Park in the Banban area, north of Riyadh. The event included a large-scale tree-planting and clean-up campaign, with the participation of scout troops, rovers, and scout leaders, along with several government and community organizations. The initiative aimed to instill environmental values in children and youth, increase green spaces, and combat desertification.
Embodying the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative
This initiative comes within the framework of broader national efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve environmental transformation, embodied in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the “Green Saudi Arabia” initiative. These ambitious initiatives aim to plant billions of trees across the Kingdom, rehabilitate degraded lands, and protect biodiversity. The participation of civil society organizations, such as the Scouts Association, is a cornerstone of the success of these plans, contributing to building a community-based environmental culture and translating national goals into tangible action on the ground.
Integrated field efforts
The program's field activities included intensive tree planting, clearing natural sites of debris, and sowing seeds to promote the natural regeneration of vegetation. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mudairis, Secretary General of the Association, emphasized that environmental protection is an integral part of the scouting curriculum, which instills in its members the principles of community service and respect for nature. He explained that these hands-on educational activities aim to transform theoretical concepts about the environment into positive behaviors and daily practices that preserve natural resources for future generations.
Strategic partnership for a sustainable future
The event witnessed the combined efforts of several government sectors and national institutions, including the Ministries of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Education, the Riyadh Municipality, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. This strategic alliance reflects the integration of roles among various entities to address environmental challenges, most notably desertification and increasing green spaces. The event concluded with the honoring of partners and outstanding scouting units, reaffirming the association's commitment to making environmental stewardship a constant and sustainable focus in all its future programs.
