Saudi Arabia Keeps Pace with Global Efforts to Maintain Land Degradation Neutrality, NCVC CEO Says.

Riyadh: Speaking at the opening of the fourth edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) CEO Dr. Khaled Alabdulkader highlighted the Kingdom's ambitious afforestation goal, and the collective efforts of more than 120 entities that helped plant more than 100 million trees to date. The event is held to coincide with the Kingdom's hosting of the 16th edition of the Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD (COP16). According to Saudi Press Agency, Alabdulkader stated that land restoration plays a pivotal role in adapting to climate change, helping to reduce carbon emissions, minimize drought, and enhance food security. He further emphasized that combating desertification and drought requires a comprehensive approach not limited to planting trees alone. Through the National Greening Program, conditions are created for the natural growth of vegetation in natural pastures and national parks. He also noted that the Kingdom, curren tly holding the presidency of the COP16 conference, is committed to pushing for joint efforts to restore lands. The Kingdom is exerting efforts to keep pace with the world to reach land degradation neutrality, including through the Saudi Green Initiative. The initiative's goal is to have 10 billion trees planted throughout the country, aiming to rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land. Furthermore, Dr. Alabdulkader mentioned that modern technologies are employed to monitor desert encroachment on vegetation, and geographic information systems are utilized to identify the most suitable areas for cultivation.