Saudi Arabia enters the Guinness World Records with the largest stockpile of seeds to combat desertification

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has achieved an unprecedented environmental milestone on the international stage, with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification securing a new Guinness World . This achievement is represented by the establishment of the "world's largest seasonal seed storage facility," with a stockpile exceeding 95 tons, reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and restoring the natural balance.

Details of the achievement and the efforts of the field teams

This achievement was not a coincidence, but rather the culmination of a year-long, dedicated effort. Specialized and highly trained field teams traversed the diverse terrains and vast regions of the Kingdom. These teams successfully collected enormous quantities of seeds from 31 species of native wild plants adapted to the Saudi environment. These seeds underwent meticulous technical processes, including purification, sorting, and impurity removal, to ensure their high quality and future viability before being stored in warehouses equipped according to the highest international standards for preserving plant genetic resources.

Strategic context: Saudi Green Initiative

This record serves as a cornerstone in supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decades. These vast quantities of seeds are considered "live ammunition" in the Kingdom's battle against desertification; major afforestation projects cannot be achieved without a strategic reserve of seeds of native plants capable of withstanding harsh climatic conditions and water scarcity.

Environmental and economic importance

This stock holds strategic importance that goes beyond its record value; it contributes to:

• Preserving biodiversity: Protecting native plant species from extinction.
• Rehabilitating degraded lands: Providing the necessary materials for cultivating areas that have suffered from overgrazing or drought.
• Environmental security: Promoting vegetation cover that acts as a natural windbreak and sand barrier, protecting urban and agricultural areas.

This achievement confirms the Kingdom’s regional and international leadership in climate action, as Saudi Arabia continues to provide practical models on how to harness resources and capabilities to address global environmental challenges and reduce the effects of climate change, thus ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come.