Planting 700 seedlings in the ancient village of Dhi Ain as part of the Green Saudi Arabia initiative

In a move aimed at integrating the preservation of national heritage with the promotion of environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the Al-Baha region, represented by the ministry's office in Al-Makhwah Governorate, implemented a unique initiative on Wednesday to plant 700 saplings in the vicinity of the ancient village of Dhi Ain. This step comes as part of the "Green Saudi Arabia" program for the national afforestation season, which was launched this year under the slogan "A hand plants, and the land flourishes.".

Combined governmental and voluntary efforts

The initiative witnessed broad cooperation reflecting a spirit of teamwork among various sectors, with the participation of the Al-Makhwah Governorate Municipality, Al-Jawa Center, the Dhi Ain Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification. The event was also distinguished by the active participation of volunteer teams, demonstrating the local community's awareness of the importance of contributing to the preservation of the region's natural and historical heritage.

Dhi Ain... a rich historical and agricultural heritage

The selection of Dhi Ain village for this initiative is not a mere formality, but a deliberate step given its historical and agricultural significance. Perched atop a white marble mountain, the village boasts a history spanning over 400 years and is renowned for its unique agricultural system, which relies on a year-round flowing spring. Historically known for its cultivation of bananas, pandanus, and basil, the village's current afforestation initiative is a natural extension of its agricultural heritage and a contribution to restoring the verdant splendor that has long distinguished it as one of the most beautiful heritage villages in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's Green Goals and their Environmental Impact

This initiative falls under the umbrella of the "Saudi Green Initiative," one of the largest environmental initiatives in the region, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom in the coming decades. The initiative in the village of Dhi Ain seeks to achieve several strategic objectives, most notably:

• Enhancing vegetation cover: directly contributing to increasing green spaces and combating desertification.
• Protecting heritage sites: Providing a natural environment surrounding archaeological sites, which enhances their tourist appeal and protects their soil from erosion.
• Raising environmental awareness: Establishing a culture of tree planting among community members and visitors, and connecting new generations to their environment and heritage.

Corporate commitment to sustainable development

Commenting on the initiative, the Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Al-Baha region, Engineer Fahd bin Muftah Al-Zahrani, affirmed that this activity is part of a continuous series of environmental programs and initiatives implemented by the Ministry. Al-Zahrani pointed out that effective partnerships with governmental and non-governmental entities are a fundamental pillar for achieving the goals of sustainable environmental development and enhancing community participation in preserving natural resources for future generations, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.