Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) launched an electronic service for issuing grazing permits through the 'Nabati' platform. The new service aims to streamline procedures, advance digital transformation, and align with the center's vision to empower and support local communities while promoting the sustainable use of natural rangelands.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Director General of the General Department of Pastures at the center, Dr. Meshal Al-Harbi noted that the new service offers several advantages, including the ease of application and quick, fully electronic issuance of permits without the need to visit the center's branches. The service also ensures automatic verification of environmental and regulatory requirements in accordance with approved standards and integrates with geospatial and environmental data platforms to support the sustainability and regulation of rangelands.
The launch coincides with a NCVC-led initiative to allow grazing in certain natural rangelands and forest areas in various regions of the Kingdom, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and other concerned entities. The initiative aims to balance the use of natural resources with environmental conservation.
These measures are designed to meet the needs of livestock herders and provide feed resources for animal production by utilizing natural grazing plants, while also enhancing rangeland sustainability, protecting wildlife habitats, and preserving biodiversity to achieve environmental sustainability.
Organizing grazing plays a vital role in preserving and sustaining vegetation cover by preventing unregulated grazing, which can lead to rangeland degradation, soil erosion, and loss of plant diversity. It also contributes to the restoration and productivity of degraded rangelands, supports livestock development, and boosts food security.