Tamriyat Station in Al-Jouf Wins Guinness World Record as Largest Sustainable Station

The Tamriyat Station in the Al-Jouf region, operated by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), has been awarded a Guinness World Record as the largest sustainable station in the world. The certificate was presented to the NCVC during the International Exhibition and Forum on Afforestation Techniques, held in parallel with the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in December 2024.

Context and Background

This recognition underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability and land rehabilitation under Vision 2030. The Tamriyat Station, operational for just over two and a half years, plays a pivotal role in combating desertification—a critical issue for the Kingdom and the wider region. By serving as a field for experimentation and forage seed production, it directly supports national efforts to restore degraded rangelands and expand green cover.

Key Details

Spanning more than 20,000 hectares, the station includes nearly 100 fields where 11 plant species are cultivated, making these fields the primary sources for seed production. The station currently hosts over 466,000 shrubs, planted using advanced techniques such as crescent-shaped drilling equipment that retains water for longer periods, as well as dedicated equipment for seedling planting and seed suction. Irrigation is carried out using treated water, distributed at over 1,200 cubic meters daily. The station also employs a specialized team of engineers, agricultural experts, and researchers who conduct round-the-clock monitoring.

International Recognition and Impact

In addition to the Guinness World Record, the Tamriyat Station has received multiple international certifications. It was awarded Global GAP certification for adhering to the highest environmental sustainability standards, including a commitment to avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The station also complies with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and implements health and safety protocols under ISO 45001. The buildings within the station meet the environmental requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), further highlighting its sustainable design. These accolades position the station as a model for sustainable agricultural infrastructure in arid environments.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Tamriyat Station’s achievements align directly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and economic diversification. By supporting royal reserves and NCVC partners in afforestation and rangeland rehabilitation, the station contributes to the Saudi Green Initiative’s target of planting billions of trees and restoring vast areas of degraded land. This Guinness World Record serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainable development and its commitment to fostering a greener future for generations to come.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Tamriyat Station?

A1. The Tamriyat Station is a sustainable agricultural facility in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia, operated by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC).

Q2. What Guinness World Record did Tamriyat Station receive?

A2. It received the Guinness World Record for being the largest sustainable station in the world, recognized for its scale and environmental practices.

Q3. When did the station receive the Guinness World Record?

A3. The certificate was awarded in early December 2024 during the International Exhibition and Forum on Afforestation Techniques, held alongside COP16.

Q4. Where is the Tamriyat Station located?

A4. It is located in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia, a northern area known for its agricultural potential and efforts to combat desertification.

Q5. How large is the Tamriyat Station?

A5. The station covers more than 20,000 hectares, including nearly 100 fields dedicated to seed production and experimentation.

Q6. What is the main purpose of the Tamriyat Station?

A6. It serves as a field for experimentation and production of forage seeds, supporting afforestation and rehabilitation of degraded rangelands.

Q7. How many plant species are cultivated at the station?

A7. Eleven types of plants are cultivated, making the fields the mother sources for seed production.

Q8. How many shrubs are currently at the station?

A8. The station hosts over 466,000 shrubs, planted using modern techniques for irrigation and soil management.

Q9. What irrigation method does the station use?

A9. It uses treated water distributed at over 1,200 cubic meters daily, applied with efficient equipment to conserve resources.

Q10. What is the crescent-shaped drilling equipment used for?

A10. It allows water to be retained for longer periods, improving plant survival and reducing water waste in the arid climate.

Q11. Does the station use pesticides or chemical fertilizers?

A11. No, it refrains from using pesticides and chemical fertilizers, ensuring environmental health and natural resource preservation.

Q12. What international certifications has the station received?

A12. It received Global GAP certification, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for health and safety standards.

Q13. What is the USGBC certification for the station?

A13. The station’s buildings meet the environmental requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), reflecting high sustainability standards.

Q14. How long has the Tamriyat Station been operational?

A14. It has been operational for just over two and a half years, demonstrating rapid achievement in sustainable development.

Q15. How does the station support royal reserves?

A15. It provides seeds and expertise to help restore vegetation and rehabilitate degraded areas in royal reserves and partner sites.

Q16. What is the role of the NCVC in this project?

A16. The NCVC operates the station, implementing national strategies for vegetation cover development and desertification combat.

Q17. What is the Saudi Green Initiative’s connection to the station?

A17. The station directly supports the Saudi Green Initiative by producing seeds and shrubs for large-scale afforestation and land restoration projects.

Q18. What kind of staff works at the station?

A18. It employs engineers, agricultural experts, seed specialists, and researchers who monitor operations around the clock.

Q19. How does the station help combat desertification?

A19. By producing forage seeds and shrubs, it enables the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and enhances vegetation cover in arid zones.

Q20. What does this Guinness World Record signify for Saudi Arabia?

A20. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and its commitment to Vision 2030 goals of environmental protection and economic diversification.

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