In a landmark environmental announcement, Saudi Arabia has outlined its master plan for the Saudi Green Initiative.
Outlined during the second annual MENA Climate Week, from October 8 to 12 in Riyadh, the blueprint of this mission aspires to enhance the environment of Saudi Arabia with 10 billion trees. This monumental challenge is heightened by Saudi Arabia’s arid climate, making this endeavor a testament to the country’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
At the core of this roadmap is the symbiotic relationship between urban zones and green spaces. As the majority of Saudi residents dwell in urban settings, the blueprint emphasises maximising vegetation in city centres. This not only beautifies the urban landscape, but promises substantial health benefits. A surge in tree canopy is forecasted to decrease city temperatures by an impressive 2.2°C, greatly improving air quality. In a world grappling with health crises linked to environmental conditions, these shifts might offer a respite from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases predominant in urban settings.
Two years of meticulous research by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) underpin this green dream. Assisted by global and local experts, the study aimed to ensure every tree planted aligns with the Kingdom’s topographical and climatic intricacies.
The exhaustive study surveyed over 1150 fields across Saudi Arabia. It incorporated geospatial suitability analysis, evaluated various factors like soil, water availability, temperature gradients, wind patterns, and elevation. The ultimate goal was not just to meet the numeric target, but to ensure sustainable growth, preserve native species, and provide the ideal environment for each plant.
Saudi’s journey to its 10 billion tree target will be bifurcated into two distinct phases. The initial phase, spanning from 2024 to 2030, will have an environmental-centric ethos. The subsequent phase, initiating in 2030, will see more comprehensive strategies and increased human engagement.
By the end of the decade in 2030, projections anticipate over 600 million new trees gracing the nation, rejuvenating approximately 3.8 million hectares of land. This monumental undertaking resonates with Saudi Arabia’s broader objective of conserving its biodiverse habitats, which house an impressive array of over 2,000 species of flora.
Parallel to this initiative, KSA’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, this week announced a plan to revitalise 100 natural parks spanning over 225,000 hectares. This supplementary endeavor will introduce over 12 million wild trees and shrubs, synchronising perfectly with the broader goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 and the expansive Saudi Green Initiative.
These rejuvenated parks promise a multiplicity of benefits. Beyond their environmental contributions like carbon sequestration and combating climate change, they are poised to become economic and recreational nuclei. With prospects like beekeeping, honey production, and tourism, these parks could significantly bolster local economies. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification will be instrumental in overseeing these transformations, from park conservation to community involvement.
Saudi Arabia’s environmental strides, set against a backdrop of challenging natural conditions, set a precedent for nations worldwide. With a foundation already laid through the planting of 41 million trees since 2017, the Kingdom is on a trajectory towards a transformative, sustainable future.
