Launch of a Saudi-led wild seed network to combat desertification
The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification in Saudi Arabia announced the launch of Wild and Range Seed Network , a pioneering step aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. This significant announcement came during the Kingdom's active participation in the first international symposium on rangelands and pastoralists, "RanPasS1," held in Tunisia. This initiative aims to establish an advanced platform for the conservation and management of plant genetic resources in the Near East and North Africa region, thereby strengthening regional efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded ecosystems effectively.
Environmental context and the Kingdom's green initiatives
This step comes as an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding and ongoing efforts to protect the environment, culminating in recent years with the launch of the “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East” initiatives under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030. Historically, the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East have suffered from severe environmental challenges, including drought, desertification, and the degradation of agricultural land. To address these challenges, the Kingdom has developed comprehensive strategies to plant billions of trees and rehabilitate millions of hectares of land. Establishing a specialized seed network is a cornerstone for ensuring the success of these ambitious initiatives, as the restoration of vegetation cover depends entirely on the availability of native and wild seeds capable of adapting to harsh climatic conditions and water scarcity.
Al-Jawf and Hail: Leading centers in the wild seed network
The Rangeland Research and Development Center in Al-Jawf region is expected to become the headquarters for managing the Wild Seed Network, a clear indication of the region's strategic importance. This will be accompanied by leveraging the advanced technical capabilities of the Rangeland Seed Propagation Center in Hail region. This local integration aims to transfer the successful Saudi experience to a wider regional scale. This approach focuses on standardizing technical criteria, strengthening the scientific research system, and building specialized capacities, thereby contributing to the provision of reliable, high-quality seeds and the protection of the region's unique plant diversity.
Expected impact at the local, regional, and international levels
The launch of this network is of paramount strategic importance and has a multifaceted impact. Locally, the network will contribute to accelerating the restoration of degraded lands in Saudi Arabia, thereby supporting food and water security and improving quality of life. Regionally, the network will serve as a protective shield for the countries of the Middle East and North Africa against sandstorms and desertification through the exchange of expertise and plant genetic resources. Internationally, the network's launch coincides with the United Nations' declaration of 2026 as the 'International Year of Pastures and Pastoralists'. The initiative is based on technical support from leading international organizations and centers specializing in arid environments, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as well as several international agricultural research centers, providing it with a solid scientific foundation for developing seed technologies and improving ecosystem management in fragile environments.
Protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change
In this context, the National Center for Vegetation Development extended an open invitation to various countries and international organizations to join this vital initiative. The goal is to work under a shared, integrated framework aimed at protecting biodiversity and enhancing food and water security, especially in light of the accelerating climate challenges facing the region and the world, such as unprecedented temperature increases. This initiative falls within the Kingdom's pivotal role in supporting international environmental efforts and actively contributing to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by adopting high-quality projects that promote sustainability and support the restoration of ecological balance at all levels.
