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National Afforestation Program Enjoys Wide and Diverse Participation

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has launched the National Afforestation Program in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, as part of the Green Saudi Initiative, which aims to contribute to increasing green spaces and combating desertification in the Kingdom, and spread community awareness about the importance of green spaces and preserving the environment and resources leading to a sustainable green environment.

Over the past two weeks of program activities, launched recently at 13 branches of NCVC across the Kingdom, volunteers and government, private and non-profit agencies have widely participated, endeavoring to achieve the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Diplomats, environmentalists, several associations and volunteers of all ages participated in the activities of the National Afforestation Program in Thadiq National Park, planting 1,500 trees in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

On the other hand, NCVC and the King Salman Energy City (SPARK) launched an afforestation program in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, to provide natural buffers for sand dune encroachment, improve the local environment and combat desertification; 23,000 local trees were planted in this area.

At the same time, NCVC, in cooperation with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), planted 5,844 trees in Al-Ahsa National Park; helping were 75 volunteers from the Ithra reading marathon, as part of efforts to involve all segments of society in the National Afforestation Program.

The Ithra Center has planted a tree for every 100 pages read as part of the marathon, which resulted in more than 500,000 pages being read and more than 5,000 trees being planted, in an initiative aimed at promoting reading and supporting afforestation efforts.

Moreover, 30 cyclists of different nationalities visited Al-Jumum Park in the Makkah Region, and participated in afforestation efforts during their tourist and religious trip to the Kingdom.

NCVC is at the forefront of efforts to protect and conserve vital vegetation sites across the Kingdom. With a focus on rehabilitating degraded areas, detecting and addressing illegal encroachment, and combating logging, NCVC plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable environmental development.

The center supervises the management and investment of pasture lands, forests, and national parks, aligning with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Source: Riyadh Daily

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