Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has launched the regional network for wild and rangeland seeds during its participation in the First International Seminar on Rangelands and Pastoralism (RanPasS1) in Tunisia: The network aims to serve as a leading platform for conserving and managing plant genetic resources in the Near East and North Africa, reflecting the Kingdom's firm commitment to ecosystem restoration and combating desertification regionally and internationally.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the network is being launched in conjunction with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026, with technical support from leading international centers and organizations specialized in dryland ecosystems.
The camel and range research center in Al-Jouf is scheduled to host the network's headquarters, while leveraging the advanced capabilities of the rangeland seed propagation center in Hail. The initiative also aims to transfer the Kingdom's pioneering experience to the regional level, laying the foundation for joint efforts to unify technical standards, enhance scientific research, build capacities, ensure the availability of reliable, high-quality seeds, protect natural heritage, and restore degraded lands.