Saudi Arabia has launched several projects and programs aimed at tree planting and improving environmental quality to combat drought and land degradation.
Among these projects, the rehabilitation of Thadiq National Park stands out, where 250,000 trees and one million shrubs have been planted in an area of 600 square kilometers.
Saudi Arabia’s Initiative: trees to combat drought
The country has introduced the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land. As part of these efforts, it is planned to convert 30% of the national territory into natural reserves. By 2030, it is expected to have planted 400 million trees.
Since 2021, Saudi Arabia has planted over 100 million trees and shrubs and rehabilitated more than 118,000 hectares of degraded land. These plantations will contribute to reducing urban temperatures by up to 2.2 °C, improving air quality, and reducing the frequency of sandstorms.
Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East Green Initiative, with the goal of planting 40 billion trees in the region, contributing 5% to the global goal of reforesting and restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land.
Saudi Arabia bets on trees to combat drought and land degradation
Innovative Technologies, crises, and challenges
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has developed techniques using microorganisms to treat wastewater, allowing its reuse in the cultivation of microalgae and plant irrigation.
Furthermore, a product has been created that transforms sand into fertile soil through carbon-enriched compost, improving nutrient and water retention and promoting microbial biodiversity.
Despite these advances, Saudi Arabia faces accusations of “greenwashing” due to its defense of the oil industry. In 2023, the country accounted for almost 75% of climate technology investment in the Middle East, allocating only $36 million to innovations in agriculture and land use.
In an effort to underline its commitment to sustainability, Saudi Arabia will host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD, a crucial event in the global fight against land degradation.
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