مشروع جديد لـ ‘الغطاء النباتي’ لتقييم احتياجات المياه للنباتات البرية وقدرتها على احتجاز الكربون
In a notable initiative aimed at enhancing water resource management and conservation in designated study regions, the CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, alongside the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at King Saud University, Dr. Yazid bin Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh, launched the project titled “Assessing Water Needs and Adding Soil Amendments for Water Conservation, and the Impact of Vegetative Protection on Carbon Sequestration Across Different Environments in the Kingdom.”
This groundbreaking project focuses on several key objectives that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for sustainable resource management. Primarily, it seeks to quantify the water requirements of native flora, specifically trees and shrubs such as the Acacia, Sidra, Artemisia, and Balanites species. Moreover, it aims to assess the effects of incorporating biochar on irrigation water usage while promoting the sustainability of these local plants in the Riyadh and Qassim regions, thereby optimizing water consumption.
In addition to evaluating the water needs of these plants, the project also explores the capacity for carbon storage within various ecosystems. This includes a detailed examination of wild plant species in Riyadh and Qassim, as well as mangrove trees in the Asir and Jazan regions. Understanding how these ecosystems can mitigate carbon emissions is vital for sustainable environmental practices.
During the project launch, the research team presented an overview that encompassed the objectives, phases, and expected outcomes of the initiative. Initial project activities include conducting field visits to identify representative sites that exemplify the plant communities and ecological conditions found in the study areas. This hands-on approach is crucial for gathering accurate data that will inform project methodologies and assessments.
The National Center is actively engaged in implementing a range of initiatives, programs, and projects that strive to cultivate a thriving and sustainable vegetative cover throughout the Kingdom. These efforts encompass protecting and enhancing existing vegetation, rehabilitating degraded lands, and restoring biodiversity in natural habitats. In addition, the center plays a vital role in overseeing rangelands and national parks, ensuring their sustainable utilization while combating illegal land use and preserving natural resources.
The overarching goal of these efforts is to realize the center’s vision of establishing a prosperous and diverse vegetative cover that fosters environmental sustainability and contributes to improving the quality of life for all citizens. By integrating scientific research with practical applications, this project offers a significant opportunity to achieve these objectives while addressing critical environmental challenges.
Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia is taking proactive steps toward a greener future, promoting the importance of ecological stewardship, and emphasizing the need for balanced water usage. As the country moves forward in its Vision 2030 objectives, projects like this exemplify the commitment to sustainable development, highlighting the interconnectedness of water management, vegetation health, and environmental conservation.
In summary, the launch of this project represents a significant stride in effective resource management and environmental preservation efforts in the Kingdom. By addressing water needs, enhancing flora health, and bolstering carbon sequestration capabilities, the initiative stands to benefit both the environment and the community, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainability in a region that faces unique ecological challenges. As such, continued support and attention to such projects will be crucial in achieving long-term ecological balance and resilience in the face of modern environmental pressures.
