NCVC to Celebrate International Day of Forests Tomorrow, Launch Campaign to Raise Awareness

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) will launch an awareness campaign tomorrow through its official social media platforms to highlight the significance of forests in Saudi Arabia. The campaign aims to emphasize forests' role in maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the effects of climate change, coinciding with the International Day of Forests, annually celebrated worldwide on March 21.

 Saudi Arabia has vast forest areas that are considered natural wealth and vital to environmental protection and sustainability efforts. Forests play a crucial role in oxygen production, storing hundreds of tons of carbon, enhancing biodiversity, supporting food security, combating desertification, and alleviating the impacts of climate change.

 The arak tree (Salvadora persica) is particularly significant, as its fruit, known as "kabath," serves as food for humans and animals alike. Economically, the tree's parts are used in producing siwak (a traditional chewing stick from the arak tree) and natural oils, and it holds health value for promoting oral and dental health. The tree also has a religious significance, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Were it not a burden upon my nation, I would have ordered them to use the siwak before every prayer."

 NCVC continues to make efforts to restore and rehabilitate forests, having planted more than 3.5 million trees to date. It also seeks to identify and protect ancient trees, safeguard forest areas with boundary markers and informational signs, and implement the strategic forest plan and the executive plan for rehabilitating and protecting valleys. These efforts are part of the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030. The center is also implementing the national forest survey project, establishing a national monitoring system for forest lands, and tracking forest fires.