The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announced the successful rehabilitation of over 750,000 hectares of degraded land as part of its restoration and greening programs, coinciding with World Agriculture Day.
The authority reported the planting of nearly 3.9 million seedlings across the 130,700-square-kilometer reserve and the dispersal of 7,500 kilograms of local seeds, including yarrow, artemisia, and haloxylon, to support natural regeneration of forests and rangelands.
These initiatives are part of the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to combat climate change by cutting carbon emissions, expanding green cover, and protecting both land and marine ecosystems.
Established by royal decree in 2018, the reserve spans regions in Tabuk, Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, and Hail. It is home to more than 550 plant species and has seen the relocation of over 1,200 wildlife species, including Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Arabian gazelles, and Arabian leopards. It also serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
