Al-Jawf's plant identity: 27 local species to support a green Saudi Arabia

In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the sustainability of its natural environment, the National Afforestation Program a comprehensive plant roadmap for the Al-Jawf region. The program has precisely identified 19 families and 27 species of native plants suitable for cultivation, as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places the environment at the heart of its development priorities.

The importance of turning towards native plants

This announcement comes within the context of a major national shift towards nature-based solutions. The goal is not simply to increase green spaces, but to restore ecological balance and combat desertification and land degradation. This step is significant because native plants are better able to withstand harsh climatic challenges, such as water scarcity and rising temperatures, thus ensuring the sustainability of afforestation projects and reducing water and financial waste compared to imported species.

The Al-Jawf region, which is known as the "food basket of the Kingdom" and is characterized by its unique geographical diversity, is an ideal environment for implementing these sustainable environmental models, as this project contributes to raising community awareness of the importance of preserving natural resources and establishing a culture of sustainable afforestation.

Unique topographical and biological diversity

The in-depth technical studies conducted by the program revealed that the vegetation cover in Al-Jawf is distributed across a highly diverse topographical fabric. From dunes and expansive sandy plains, to highlands and rocky plateaus, passing through valleys and fertile meadows, and reaching environments with a special nature such as salt flats and the edges of the Great Nafud Desert; these topographical features form a natural incubator for wildlife.

Field surveys have revealed the region's rich diversity of trees, shrubs, and perennial and annual herbs. Native species that form part of the region's visual and environmental identity topped the list, including: *Acacia tortilis*, *Acacia ehrenbergiana*, *Acacia seyal*, and *Atriplex halimus*, in addition to *Acacia seyal*, *Acacia seyal*, *Acacia seyal*, *Acacia seyal*, and *Acacia seyal*.

List of approved species for afforestation

The relevant authorities have compiled a detailed list of species suitable for future afforestation projects in the region to ensure the highest growth success rates. The list includes vital plants such as:

• Trees and shrubs: wild jujube, Arabian almond, boxthorn, boxthorn, and saltbush.
• Herbal and aromatic plants: yarrow, wormwood, artemisia, wormwood, and galbanum.
• Other types: *Al-Tamha*, *Al-Aran*, *Al-Asaf*, *Al-Ratam*, *Shahiba*, wild iris, and sorrel.

The report indicated that this plant diversity stems from multiple scientific lineages and families, reflecting the rich biodiversity of Al-Jawf. Nineteen plant families were identified, primarily legumes, including Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, and Asteraceae. The list also included Caperaceae, Harmalaceae, Rhubarbaceae, Ziziphus spina-christi, and Rosaceae.

The program concluded by emphasizing that relying on species of nightshade, tamarisk, tamarisk, umbelliferous, mustard, and grass species is a cornerstone of the strategy to increase green spaces. This well-considered scientific approach not only serves the environment but also enhances the region's aesthetics and supports ecotourism, making Al-Jawf a model to be emulated in sustainable development projects across the Kingdom.