Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability, social development, and economic growth.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the project focuses on assessing the current state of agroforestry, applying global best practices, and encouraging investment to ensure sustainable forest management. It contributes to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable environmental practices and combating desertification.
As part of the project, NCVC will activate its memorandum of understanding signed in December 2024 with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), to boost research collaboration and apply advanced agroforestry techniques.
The initiative is part of NCVC's broader mission to restore lands, expand vegetation cover, combat desertification, protect natural habitats, and reduce carbon emissions. The project supports the development of resilient and sustainable forest ecosystems and efforts to protect and improve forest areas throughout the Kingdom.
NCVC is also advancing the establishment of sustainable vegetation cover in forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees, equivalent to rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030. The center operates under the Executive Regulations for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, specifically Article 6 on forest regulations, which aims to develop and implement a national plan for sustainable forest management, protect and develop forests, and regulate grazing within forest lands.