RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched its 2026 National Greening Season to expand vegetation cover, combat desertification and promote the planting of native species adapted to the Kingdom’s dry climate.
The campaign aims to rehabilitate an additional 60,000 hectares of land and disperse more than 110 tonnes of seeds representing 70 native plant species.
The initiative seeks to restore degraded land, improve natural habitats and support the growth of vegetation suited to local environmental conditions. Using native plants can help improve the chances of successful restoration in arid areas, where water scarcity and extreme temperatures pose major challenges.
The campaign also encourages environmental volunteering, inviting communities to take part in greening activities and contribute to the protection of natural resources.
The National Greening Season supports the broader goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to increase vegetation cover, restore degraded landscapes and address environmental challenges, including desertification.
Saudi Arabia has set a target of rehabilitating 350,000 hectares of land by 2030. The 2026 campaign is part of ongoing efforts to achieve this goal through planting, land restoration and greater public participation in environmental protection.
The initiative highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and choosing plant species suited to local climates as countries in arid regions face increasing pressure on land and water resources.
