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Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - RIYADH: In a major greening effort, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has begun restoring 120 meadows and gardens across Saudi Arabia using a combination of more than 5.8 million seedlings and 28 tonnes of seeds scattered as part of the center’s meadows and gardens development project.

Launched in October 2023, the project’s first phase targets the rehabilitation of 300 meadows and gardens across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This project aims to plant 12 million trees and shrubs by 2030, covering an area of 8 million hectares. The goal is to enhance environmental sustainability, improve the quality of life, and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

The first phase of the project follows a meticulous three-stage process. The initial stage involves collecting and analyzing data related to meadows, gardens, and surrounding areas. This information is used to systematically assess the level of degradation and determine the most appropriate interventions for each site.

Based on the assessments, the center implements tailored interventions to address the specific needs of each meadow and garden. Techniques employed include seed dispersal, seedling planting, rainwater harvesting, ongoing care and protection, and responsible use of the rehabilitated areas.

Finally, the project ensures the initiative’s long-term success through continuous evaluation and adjustments to the rehabilitation methods.

The project prioritizes meadows and gardens as they play a critical role in storing carbon, mitigating climate change, and reducing the impact of desertification and dust storms.

These meadows and gardens teem with diverse perennial and annual plant life. They act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater during rainy seasons and nourishing the vegetation. This rich habitat also provides sanctuary for various wildlife, making them valuable areas for conservation efforts.

The project extends its vision beyond environmental benefits. Rehabilitated meadows and gardens offer promising economic and investment opportunities. They can serve as crucial bee pastures, boosting local honey production and associated by-products. These flourishing landscapes have the potential to become thriving tourist attractions.

By combining meticulous planning, targeted interventions, and data-driven approaches, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification fosters a greener future for Saudi Arabia.