Qassim: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) leads intensive efforts through environmental initiatives and projects to restore plant diversity and promote environmental sustainability in the region. General Manager of the National Greening Program at NCVC Eng. Ahmad Alanazi said the center is implementing ambitious plans to develop vegetation cover in Qassim. So far, around 6.3 million trees have been planted, achieving 70% of the 2030 target, with the contribution of more than 30 different institutions. He pointed out that work is underway to plant an additional 2.5 million trees as part of ongoing and planned projects, further enhancing green spaces in the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Alanazi highlighted that the center's efforts go beyond afforestation, encompassing the development of natural pastures through implementing nine projects to rehabilitate some 335,000 hectares of land by planting 1.8 million trees to promote plant diversity and improve grazing environments.
The center is also working on 18 projects in Qassim aimed at rehabilitating 1,579 hectares of land and planting 680,000 trees, improving the quality of life for the region's residents and supporting ecotourism.
Data indicates that the vegetation cover in Qassim increased by around 170% between December 2018 and December 2024, reflecting the positive impact of ongoing environmental projects in improving air quality, reducing desertification, and enhancing natural habitats.
NCVC works to develop, protect, monitor, and rehabilitate vegetation cover sites across the Kingdom, detect violations, combat logging, and supervise rangelands, forests, and national parks, supporting sustainable development and contributing to the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.