National Greening Program Outlines Six Principles to Transform Saudi Ecosystems

The National Greening Program affirmed that the Saudi Green Initiative's executive roadmap goes beyond planting 10 billion trees, aiming instead to transform the Kingdom's ecosystem through six key principles for sustainable afforestation. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, these principles include maintaining ecological balance by utilizing native plant species, relying on renewable water resources, such as rainwater, treated wastewater, and seawater, and protecting vegetation from overgrazing, human activities, and invasive plants to enable natural regeneration.

 The program utilizes geospatial suitability analysis to identify planting sites based on rainfall variations and drought conditions, while actively engaging stakeholders and the community to support large-scale implementation. Designed around UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) methodologies, the initiatives have classified more than 2,250 native trees, shrubs, and ground covers to ensure compatibility with local ecosystems and prevent the introduction of invasive species.

 Furthermore, the program highlights the Kingdom's royal reserves as prime examples of natural regeneration, where minimal direct intervention is prioritized alongside robust physical protection. By operating in harmony with environmental laws, the program continues to develop vegetation cover, combat desertification, and restore degraded lands in accordance with the overarching goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.