Plant Regions Map of Saudi Arabia: The New Afforestation Strategy
In a strategic move aimed at framing environmental work on sound scientific principles, the National Afforestation Program in Saudi Arabia unveiled an ambitious project to divide the Kingdom into 21 distinct plant regions. This announcement came during a specialized workshop held in Riyadh, attended by leading experts and specialists, to lay the foundation for a national knowledge base to guide efforts to combat desertification and develop vegetation cover.
A scientific strategy to achieve a "Green Saudi Arabia"
This zoning is not merely an administrative procedure; it is a necessary response to the Kingdom's immense geographical and climatic diversity. From the towering Sarawat Mountains with their temperate climate to the humid coastlines and arid interior deserts, each region requires specific environmental management. This project directly supports the goals of Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Arabia initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees. Designating specific plant regions ensures the selection of tree species suited to each environment, thereby increasing seedling survival rates and reducing the water and financial waste resulting from haphazard planting.
Technical link with the national platform
Engineer Ahmed Al-Ayadah, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, explained that the new map will serve as a comprehensive reference for the future of the environment. He emphasized that the project will be electronically and directly linked to the National Afforestation Platform. This link will make the map the sole legitimate entry point for registering and documenting any future afforestation projects, providing planners and researchers with accurate and reliable data to help them make decisions that are consistent with the nature of the land.
A precise methodology to ensure the sustainability of vegetation cover
The mapping of the 21 regions was based on a complex, multi-layered scientific methodology that included a thorough analysis of climatic data (rainfall rates, temperature, humidity), spatial data (soil type, topography), and the natural distribution of wild plants. These theoretical studies were reinforced by extensive field surveys to validate the data on the ground, ensuring improved rangeland and forest management and the efficient development of seedling production plans in local nurseries.
Environmental and economic dimensions of combating desertification
This project is gaining regional and international importance, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading environmental efforts in the region through the “Green Middle East Initiative.” Successfully identifying plant regions and guiding afforestation efforts will effectively contribute to restoring degraded lands, reducing dust storms, and lowering temperatures in urban areas, positively impacting quality of life and public health, and providing a model for countries suffering from arid and semi-arid climates.
