Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health to strengthen cooperation and implement measures necessary to preserve the ecosystem and natural vegetation. According to Saudi Press Agency, this agreement aims to support green efforts and expand green spaces, contributing to national initiatives focused on boosting vegetation, controlling desertification, and improving the quality of life. The undertakings outlined in the MoU include creating a list of locations and defining the number and distance between areas suitable for afforestation, and conducting studies to identify the types of local trees and plants most appropriate for each site's conditions. Further collaboration will involve environmental guidance through activities, programs, and campaigns, as well as the exchange of national strategies related to increasing the vegetation cover. The MoU also entails sharing standards , information, data, and expertise to promote vegetation growth and facilitate community engagement in related programs and initiatives. According to the release, this MoU is part of NCVC's ongoing endeavor to broaden collaboration with governmental, private, and non-profit sectors, with the aim of boosting vegetation, rehabilitating degraded locations, expanding green areas, combating desertification, reducing sand encroachment, and conserving natural resources, in line with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to create a thriving green environment. NCVC said that it is dedicated to developing and protecting vegetation cover, monitoring and restoring degraded areas, preventing illegal tree cutting, managing rangelands, and safeguarding forests and national parks. Through its diverse projects, NCVC also supports global efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, thus promoting sustainable environmental and economic development, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Gre en Initiative, said the release.