NCVC Hosts Workshop on Drought Indicators and Calculation Methods in Riyadh

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) hosted a two-day workshop on ‘Drought Indicators and Calculation Methods’ in Riyadh from January 5 to 6, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance drought preparedness across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The workshop, announced via the Saudi Press Agency, brought together technical staff and experts to strengthen the nation’s capacity to monitor and respond to drought conditions through advanced analytical tools and methodologies.

Context and Background

Drought poses a significant challenge to arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. The NCVC, a key government agency under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, is tasked with preserving and rehabilitating vegetation cover, combating desertification, and managing natural resources sustainably. This workshop aligns with broader national strategies to address climate-related risks, including the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to enhance environmental resilience and reduce the impacts of land degradation.

Key Details

Over the two-day event, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of drought, including its types, causes, and links to land degradation. The curriculum emphasized the selection of appropriate drought indicators, comparing various metrics and their data sources. Attendees received hands-on training using specialized software, including DrinC (Drought Indices Calculator), QGIS (a geographic information system), and SNAP (Sentinel Application Platform), to calculate drought indicators effectively. The NCVC noted that the workshop aimed to transfer skills from the Kingdom’s drought vulnerability assessment project and establish practical measures to minimize drought’s negative consequences on the environment and society.

Implications and Impact

The workshop underscores Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to environmental management and climate adaptation. By equipping technical personnel with modern tools and knowledge, the NCVC is strengthening the Kingdom’s ability to monitor drought in real-time, improve early warning systems, and develop targeted response strategies. This initiative supports regional stability by mitigating the socio-economic impacts of drought, particularly in agricultural and rural communities, and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in environmental sustainability within the Middle East and globally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The NCVC’s workshop directly contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly those related to environmental sustainability and quality of life. By enhancing drought preparedness and combating desertification, the initiative supports the Saudi Green Initiative’s target of planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating vast areas of degraded land. These efforts are integral to building a resilient and diversified economy, improving public health, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to global environmental stewardship under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the purpose of the NCVC workshop on drought indicators?

A1. The workshop aimed to identify suitable drought indicators and equip technical staff with skills to calculate them using specialized programs, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s drought preparedness.

Q2. When and where was the workshop held?

A2. The workshop took place in Riyadh from January 5 to 6, 2025, hosted by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC).

Q3. Which software tools were used during the training?

A3. Participants received hands-on training using DrinC, QGIS, and SNAP software to calculate drought indicators and process environmental data.

Q4. What are the main types of drought discussed?

A4. The workshop covered various drought types, including meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socio-economic drought, along with their causes.

Q5. How does drought relate to land degradation?

A5. Drought exacerbates land degradation by reducing soil moisture, promoting erosion, and diminishing vegetation cover, leading to desertification in vulnerable areas.

Q6. Why is selecting the right drought indicator important?

A6. Choosing appropriate indicators ensures accurate monitoring and assessment of drought severity, enabling effective planning and response strategies to mitigate impacts.

Q7. What data sources are used to calculate drought indicators?

A7. The workshop explored various data sources, including satellite imagery, meteorological station records, and remote sensing data, for reliable indicator calculation.

Q8. What is the role of the NCVC in Saudi Arabia?

A8. The NCVC is responsible for preserving and rehabilitating vegetation cover, combating desertification, and managing rangelands, forests, and national parks.

Q9. How does the workshop support the Saudi Green Initiative?

A9. By improving drought monitoring and preparedness, the workshop helps achieve the Saudi Green Initiative’s goals of combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Q10. What is DrinC software used for?

A10. DrinC, or Drought Indices Calculator, is a specialized tool for computing multiple drought indices to assess and monitor drought conditions effectively.

Q11. What is QGIS and its role in the workshop?

A11. QGIS is an open-source geographic information system used to map and analyze spatial data related to drought, vegetation, and land degradation during training.

Q12. What is SNAP software?

A12. SNAP, the Sentinel Application Platform, is used for processing satellite imagery to monitor vegetation health and drought indicators from space.

Q13. How long was the workshop and who attended?

A13. The two-day workshop was attended by NCVC technical staff and experts, focusing on skill development for drought vulnerability assessment and mitigation.

Q14. What are the environmental impacts of drought in Saudi Arabia?

A14. Drought reduces water availability, degrades soil quality, and diminishes vegetation cover, threatening ecosystems and agricultural productivity across the Kingdom.

Q15. How does the NCVC combat desertification?

A15. The NCVC implements revegetation projects, monitors land violations, and promotes sustainable land management practices to reduce desertification and restore ecosystems.

Q16. What is Vision 2030’s role in environmental sustainability?

A16. Vision 2030 integrates environmental goals, such as expanding green spaces and reducing carbon emissions, to enhance quality of life and economic resilience in Saudi Arabia.

Q17. Did the workshop include practical exercises?

A17. Yes, participants engaged in hands-on training sessions using DrinC, QGIS, and SNAP to practice calculating drought indicators with real-world data sets.

Q18. What is the link between drought and climate change?

A18. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of droughts through altered precipitation patterns and higher temperatures, amplifying environmental and societal risks.

Q19. How does drought affect Saudi Arabian society?

A19. Drought impacts agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, making effective monitoring and preparedness critical for societal well-being.

Q20. What are the next steps after the workshop?

A20. The NCVC will integrate learned skills into ongoing drought vulnerability projects, enhancing early warning systems and refining response measures to mitigate future drought risks.

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