63 types of native Tabuk plants support a green Saudi Arabia

The National Afforestation Program has unveiled a new strategic step that reinforces the Kingdom's efforts in environmental sustainability, emphasizing that the Tabuk region represents a botanical treasure trove, boasting more than 63 species of native plants suitable for afforestation projects. This announcement forms a cornerstone in supporting the objectives of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to increase vegetation cover and combat desertification across the Kingdom.

Geographic diversity promotes environmental sustainability

The Tabuk region boasts a unique topographical and geographical diversity that gives it a competitive advantage in sustainable afforestation projects. The program explained that the region's natural environments range from valleys, wadis, and meadows to sand dunes and towering mountains, in addition to coastal areas and scattered islands in the Red Sea. This environmental diversity provides an ideal environment for the growth of numerous plant species capable of adapting to different climatic conditions, thus reducing water consumption and enhancing the long-term success of afforestation projects.

List of native plants: a national treasure

The National Afforestation Program reviewed the details of the approved plant species, noting that they belong to families with long-established roots in the Saudi environment, such as the Ziziphus, Rosaceae, Acacia, and Solanaceae families. The list includes a wide variety of perennial trees and shrubs, most notably:

• The main trees are: the jujube, the wild almond, the terebinth, the tamarisk, and the moringa, which are trees that are characterized by their abundant shade and their ability to withstand drought.
• Coastal environment plants: Mangrove trees, which play a vital role in protecting beaches and promoting marine biodiversity.
• Shrubs and herbaceous plants: such as rhubarb, boxthorn, wormwood, yarrow, and wormwood, which contribute to stabilizing the soil and preventing its erosion.

Environmental and economic impact of the afforestation initiative

The importance of adopting these plant species extends beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing profound environmental and economic dimensions that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Expanding the cultivation of native plants directly contributes to lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and absorbing carbon emissions. Furthermore, restoring the natural vegetation cover in Tabuk will help restore ecological balance, providing natural habitats for birds and wildlife, and supporting ecotourism in the region, which is witnessing massive development projects.

The program concluded by emphasizing its commitment to leading afforestation initiatives in cooperation with the public and private sectors and non-profit organizations, with the aim of establishing a culture of sustainable afforestation and transforming this plant list into a green reality covering the lands of Tabuk, contributing to creating a more sustainable future for future generations.