الهيئة المعنية بالغطاء النباتي تبرز جهود المملكة في تعزيز التشجير وحماية وتطوير الموارد البيئية
Celebrating the Global Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
On June 17 each year, the world observes the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. In light of this occasion, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification has highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing plant cover, advancing afforestation efforts, and safeguarding water resources. The center emphasizes the nation’s strategic initiatives to bolster resilience against the challenges posed by desertification and drought—issues that have become increasingly pressing due to climate change and escalating human activities.
The National Center underscores the criticality of rehabilitating degraded lands to bolster food and water security, thereby aligning with global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Notably, over half of the global gross domestic product (GDP) is dependent on natural resources and ecosystem services, making the challenge of land and water management pivotal for sustainable development.
The International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought serves as a poignant reminder of the implications of these phenomena on food and water security and biodiversity. It encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in land and water management, which in turn supports land restoration initiatives. The day also sheds light on the severe ramifications of drought, emphasizing its threat to sustainable development.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the National Center aims to achieve several strategic objectives that focus on enhancing living standards, reducing environmental pollution, and rehabilitating degraded lands. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to develop environmental protection systems from natural disasters and improve resilience against threats to vegetation caused by pests. The center is also dedicated to building national capacities to ensure the sustainable use of vital natural resources within the Kingdom.
One of the most significant regional initiatives led by Saudi Arabia is the "Middle East Green Initiative," designed to address water scarcity challenges and counteract the threats of desertification across the region. As part of these efforts, the Kingdom introduced a cloud seeding program in 2022 aimed at increasing rainfall rates and enhancing renewable water sources. This proactivity showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovatively tackle water resource challenges.
The projects under the Middle East Green Initiative are intricately linked with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, especially focusing on afforestation. This ambitious plan aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region over the coming decades, representing approximately 5% of the global afforestation target. Such large-scale reforestation efforts are expected to contribute significantly to international goals for reducing carbon emissions—potentially decreasing global emissions by an estimated 2.5%.
In summary, as the world commemorates the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Saudi Arabia stands out for its proactive measures to combat environmental degradation. The Kingdom is not only focused on achieving national objectives but also aligns its efforts with global sustainability targets. Through innovative programs and strategic initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to restore ecological balance, ensure food and water security, and embrace a sustainable future for its citizens and the broader environment. By nurturing a clearer understanding of the challenges posed by desertification and drought, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to fostering a sustainable ecosystem that is resilient to the impacts of climate change.
