165 plant species in Jazan to support the Saudi Green Initiative

In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental protection and enhancing vegetation cover, the National Afforestation Program a comprehensive plant map of the Jazan region, featuring more than 165 native plant species suited to the area’s environment. This announcement is a key component of efforts to achieve the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of its national priorities.

Geographical diversity in Jazan: a nurturing environment for life

The Jazan region boasts a unique geographical and climatic diversity that makes it one of the richest regions in the Kingdom in terms of biodiversity. From the coastal plains stretching along the Red Sea, through the expansive Tihama region, to the towering mountain peaks and rugged slopes, the region offers diverse environments that allow for the growth of a wide array of plants. This natural richness did not arise by chance, but is a result of the region's geographical location, which combines a tropical climate with a temperate mountain environment, making it a "breadbasket" and a natural habitat for diverse forests.

Details of the plant map and approved species

The program explained that the approved list of plants, identified with high scientific precision, covers all the complex topography of the region, including islands, salt marshes, and meadows. Official data revealed a detailed classification of plant species, with the Anacardiaceae, Palmaceae, Compoundaceae, Leguminosae, Ziziphus spina-christi, and Salvadora persica emerging as the most important components of this vegetation cover. The list also included species of high ecological value, such as Oleander and Olive.

The "golden list" of species most suitable for afforestation included trees that form part of the region's heritage and environmental identity, such as:

• Trees of coastal areas: such as mangroves, which play a vital role in protecting beaches and developing fish stocks.
• Trees of valleys and plains: such as the jujube tree, the arak tree, the labakh tree, and the dhubr tree.
• Mountain trees: such as wild olive, oriental almond, and coffee, which are adapted to the relatively cold climate in the highlands.

Strategic and environmental importance

The purpose of identifying these species extends beyond agriculture to encompass profound environmental and economic dimensions. Relying on native plants is the optimal solution for ensuring the sustainability of afforestation projects, as these plants are characterized by their superior ability to adapt to harsh climatic conditions, their resistance to pests, and their lower water requirements compared to imported plants, thus significantly reducing irrigation and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, plants such as boxthorn, Lycium, and Sesbania play a crucial role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion, especially in valleys and open areas prone to seasonal floods. This directly supports efforts to combat desertification, contributes to reducing carbon emissions, and improves air quality, which positively impacts the quality of life and public health of citizens, and enhances the region's attractiveness for tourism and investment.