NCVC Launches Campaign to Rehabilitate 350,000 Hectares of Pastures

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has launched a major initiative to rehabilitate natural pastures across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to restore 350,000 hectares by 2030 in support of the Saudi Green Initiative. The campaign, announced on September 4, 2026, by the Saudi Press Agency, represents a significant step in the Kingdom’s efforts to combat desertification, enhance environmental sustainability, and achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Context and Background

Land degradation and desertification are critical environmental challenges facing Saudi Arabia, given its arid climate and vast desert landscapes. The Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021, aims to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land across the Kingdom. The NCVC, established to lead these efforts, has been at the forefront of restoring degraded lands through scientific approaches and community engagement. Over the past two years, the center has successfully rehabilitated over 51,000 hectares across 58 sites and 15 valleys and meadows, sowing 109 tons of seeds from 40 plant species. This year, the program aims to restore an additional 60,000 hectares across 70 sites and 25 valleys and meadows, dispersing more than 110 tons of seeds covering 70 species.

Key Details of the Initiative

The NCVC’s approach combines rigorous seed quality testing with strategic sowing schedules. All distributed seeds undergo six quality tests in accordance with International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) standards to ensure high germination rates. The center has also aligned its sowing and rainwater-harvesting efforts with the Regional Cloud Seeding Program, utilizing rainfall forecasts and climate data to target high-precipitation zones, thereby maximizing plant survival rates. This integrated strategy demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for environmental restoration.

Implications and Impact

The rehabilitation of pastures will have far-reaching benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and increased carbon sequestration. It will also support local communities dependent on livestock grazing by restoring productive rangelands. Furthermore, the initiative contributes to regional climate goals and positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in desertification control. The NCVC’s efforts align with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which Saudi Arabia actively supports.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This campaign directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability objectives, particularly the Saudi Green Initiative’s target to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares. By restoring natural pastures, the Kingdom is enhancing its environmental resilience, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to global climate action. The NCVC’s work exemplifies how Saudi Arabia is turning its Vision 2030 ambitions into tangible results, ensuring a greener future for generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the NCVC?

A1. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) is a Saudi government agency responsible for combating desertification and restoring vegetation across the Kingdom.

Q2. What is the goal of the new campaign?

A2. The campaign aims to rehabilitate 350,000 hectares of natural pastures by 2030 in support of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Q3. How many hectares were rehabilitated in the past two years?

A3. Over the past two years, the NCVC restored more than 51,000 hectares of degraded land across 58 sites and 15 valleys and meadows.

Q4. How many tons of seeds were sown in the past two years?

A4. The center sowed 109 tons of seeds representing 40 plant species.

Q5. What is the target for this year?

A5. This year, the program aims to rehabilitate an additional 60,000 hectares across 70 sites and 25 valleys and meadows.

Q6. How many tons of seeds will be dispersed this year?

A6. More than 110 tons of seeds covering 70 species will be dispersed.

Q7. What quality tests do the seeds undergo?

A7. All distributed seeds undergo six quality tests in accordance with International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) standards.

Q8. How does the NCVC maximize germination?

A8. The center aligns sowing schedules with the Regional Cloud Seeding Program, using rainfall forecasts and climate data to target high-precipitation zones.

Q9. What is the Saudi Green Initiative?

A9. The Saudi Green Initiative is a national campaign launched in 2021 to combat climate change, plant 10 billion trees, and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land.

Q10. How does this campaign support Vision 2030?

A10. It advances environmental sustainability goals, enhances quality of life, and contributes to global climate action, aligning with Vision 2030’s objectives.

Q11. What are the benefits of pasture rehabilitation?

A11. Benefits include improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, increased carbon sequestration, and support for local livestock-dependent communities.

Q12. How does the NCVC engage local communities?

A12. The NCVC involves local communities in planting and maintenance, providing training and employment opportunities in restoration activities.

Q13. What is the role of cloud seeding in this initiative?

A13. Cloud seeding enhances rainfall in targeted areas, and the NCVC uses its forecasts to schedule sowing when soil moisture is optimal.

Q14. Which plant species are used?

A14. Native and adaptive species are selected, with 70 species used this year, to ensure ecological compatibility and resilience.

Q15. How does this initiative combat desertification?

A15. By restoring vegetation cover, it prevents soil erosion, improves water retention, and creates barriers against desert encroachment.

Q16. What international standards does the NCVC follow?

A16. The NCVC adheres to ISTA standards for seed testing and collaborates with global bodies like the UNCCD.

Q17. How many sites are targeted this year?

A17. This year, 70 sites and 25 valleys and meadows are targeted for rehabilitation.

Q18. What is the expected impact on biodiversity?

A18. The restoration will create habitats for wildlife, support pollinators, and enhance ecosystem resilience.

Q19. How does the NCVC measure success?

A19. Success is measured by hectares restored, plant survival rates, and improvements in soil and vegetation health.

Q20. How can the public support this initiative?

A20. The public can participate in tree-planting events, adopt sustainable practices, and raise awareness about environmental conservation.

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