Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Desertification and Drought

Strategic Insights -

As the world marks World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) in Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of restoring degraded land to enhance food and water security and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change. The Kingdom's ongoing efforts focus on expanding vegetation cover, promoting afforestation, conserving water resources, and enhancing resilience against desertification and drought caused by climate change and increasing human activity. With over half of the world's GDP depending on natural resources and ecosystem services, the center highlights the need for sustainable land and water management practices that support land restoration. The occasion also aims to raise awareness about the impact of desertification and drought on food and water security, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) reaffirms Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to combat desertification and drought, marking World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought on June 17.
  • The Kingdom aims to expand vegetation cover, promote afforestation, conserve water resources, and enhance resilience against desertification and drought caused by climate change and human activity.
  • Over half of the world's GDP depends on natural resources and ecosystem services, highlighting the need for sustainable land and water management practices that support land restoration.
  • The NCVC emphasizes the importance of restoring degraded land to enhance food and water security and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
  • The Kingdom's commitment to combating desertification and drought is aligned with its strategic objectives under Vision 2030, including improving living standards and quality of life, reducing environmental pollution, and rehabilitating degraded lands.
  • The private sector plays a crucial role in executing related tasks alongside the Kingdom's commitment to international agreements and performance reporting.

Statistics:

  • Vegetation cover expansion: NCVC's efforts aim to expand vegetation cover nationwide.
  • Afforestation initiatives: The Kingdom promotes afforestation to enhance resilience against desertification and drought.
  • Water conservation: Saudi Arabia conserves water resources to mitigate the impact of desertification and drought.
  • Desertification and drought impact: Over half of the world's GDP depends on natural resources and ecosystem services, making land restoration crucial for economic and environmental sustainability.
  • Biodiversity impact: Desertification and drought have severe consequences for biodiversity, and efforts to combat them are critical for sustaining ecological balance.

Sources:

  • The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) June 18, 2025
  • Vision 2030, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)