The efforts of the Wakaa Center in biological control to protect Saudi agriculture
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability, the Waqaa Center (National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control) implemented the largest biological control operation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative involved releasing approximately 11 million beneficial organisms across five different regions, with the goal of reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and covering a vast area of 134,000 hectares to protect the nation's agricultural resources.
The historical development of plant protection and sustainable agriculture efforts
Historically, agriculture in many regions has faced significant challenges due to agricultural pests that threatened crops and led to substantial economic losses. In past decades, the primary reliance was on chemical pesticides to control these pests. However, over time, reliable scientific studies have demonstrated that the excessive use of chemicals leads to soil degradation, groundwater pollution, and damage to biodiversity. From this historical and environmental perspective, the urgent need to shift towards sustainable agricultural practices has become apparent. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has kept pace with this global shift by adopting integrated pest management programs and establishing specialized entities dedicated to implementing best scientific practices to protect the environment and ensure food safety for future generations.
The role of the Prevention Center in implementing biological control programs
The intensive fieldwork carried out by the Waqaa Center from April 26 to 30, 2026, included providing services to 58 targeted farms through precise biological release operations. Center officials explained that these extensive efforts were accompanied by support for six key integrated pest management programs, enhancing the effectiveness of preventive and curative control in accordance with the highest standards and modern scientific practices. Official statistics issued by the Center revealed the vast area benefiting from this development project, with a total area served reaching 134,746 hectares, carefully distributed across 291 agricultural fields. More than 10,986,000 beneficial organisms were released, in addition to the distribution of 1,253 packages of organisms that support the ecological balance of the farms.
Supporting natural pollination via bumblebees
In a related development, specialists at the center highlighted a significant initiative: the release of 100 bumblebee colonies. This strategic step is based on scientific evidence confirming that bumblebees are among the most efficient natural pollinators, particularly in greenhouses. This measure directly contributes to supporting natural pollination processes, which positively impacts crop quality and significantly increases agricultural productivity for beneficiaries.
Expected impact of the initiative at the local and regional levels
This event is of paramount importance and has a wide-ranging positive impact. Locally, reducing chemical pesticide use contributes to the production of healthier and safer crops for consumers, thus supporting the Sustainable Development Goals in achieving food security. The monitoring and guidance aspects were also not overlooked, with center officials conducting 48 field visits to ensure quality implementation and provide farmers with the necessary technical guidance to enhance program application.
At the regional and international levels, the success of such large-scale projects positions the Kingdom among the leading countries in environmental protection and biological control in the Middle East. This transformation reduces the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector and preserves biodiversity. The center emphasized the importance of this radical shift, stating: “These efforts are part of our strategy to protect plant resources and enhance food security by adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.”.
