NCVC Advances Nature-Based Solutions for Carbon Credits in Riyadh Workshop

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) hosted a workshop in Riyadh on February 9, 2025, focused on advancing nature-based solutions for carbon credits. Under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, the workshop titled “Carbon Credit for Nature-Based Solutions” brought together experts and specialists to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration in developing Saudi Arabia’s carbon market, in alignment with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s net-zero emissions goal by 2060.

Context and Background

The workshop reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic push to leverage nature-based solutions as a key tool in tackling climate change. As part of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 through the Circular Carbon Economy framework. The NCVC is central to these efforts, having planted about 135 million trees and rehabilitated 289,000 hectares of degraded land to date, enhancing soil health, carbon storage, and ecosystem resilience.

Key Details

NCVC CEO Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader emphasized the center’s commitment to strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Singapore’s Carbon Capture Ltd., the International Carbon Registry (ICR), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The workshop addressed the role of carbon markets in facilitating a sustainable economy, the integration of nature-based solutions and carbon markets to maximize environmental and economic value, and the importance of policies, regulations, and international cooperation. “Carbon credit in the vegetation cover sector serves as a crucial tool in addressing climate change,” the NCVC release stated, highlighting ecosystem restoration, forest rehabilitation, and land reclamation as pivotal for carbon sequestration.

Implications and Impact

The development of a robust carbon credit program rooted in nature-based solutions is expected to provide vital funding for the National Greening Program and support the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. By aligning environmental projects with financial incentives, the workshop aimed to accelerate the growth of Saudi Arabia’s carbon market, offering both environmental and economic benefits while positioning the Kingdom as a leader in regional and global climate action.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability pillars, fostering a thriving vegetation cover that enhances quality of life and promotes long-term economic diversification. Through continued innovation and international collaboration, Saudi Arabia is advancing its commitment to a greener future, reinforcing its global role in combating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the main purpose of the workshop hosted by NCVC?

A1. The workshop aimed to advance nature-based solutions for carbon credits, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to develop Saudi Arabia’s carbon market and combat climate change.

Q2. Who patronized the workshop?

A2. The workshop was under the patronage of Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia.

Q3. What is the ultimate emissions goal linked to this initiative?

A3. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, aligned with Vision 2030 and the Circular Carbon Economy framework.

Q4. How many trees has NCVC planted so far?

A4. NCVC has planted approximately 135 million trees, contributing to land rehabilitation and carbon sequestration.

Q5. How much degraded land has NCVC rehabilitated?

A5. NCVC has rehabilitated 289,000 hectares of degraded land, improving soil health and ecosystem resilience.

Q6. Which international partners did NCVC collaborate with for the carbon credit program?

A6. NCVC collaborates with Singapore’s Carbon Capture Ltd., the International Carbon Registry (ICR), UNCCD, and UNDP.

Q7. What is the Saudi Green Initiative’s annual carbon reduction target by 2030?

A7. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030.

Q8. What is the role of nature-based solutions in carbon sequestration?

A8. Nature-based solutions such as restoring ecosystems and rehabilitating forests capture and store carbon, naturally reducing emissions.

Q9. How do carbon credits fund environmental projects?

A9. Carbon credits generate revenue that funds the National Greening Program and other environmental restoration initiatives.

Q10. What is the Circular Carbon Economy framework?

A10. The Circular Carbon Economy framework aims to reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove carbon emissions to achieve net-zero goals.

Q11. Which Saudi ministry oversees NCVC?

A11. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture oversees NCVC, with Minister Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley providing patronage.

Q12. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?

A12. The Middle East Green Initiative is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to plant trees and reduce carbon emissions across the Middle East.

Q13. What benefits do carbon markets provide beyond environmental gains?

A13. Carbon markets create financial incentives for sustainability, support economic diversification, and attract investment in green projects.

Q14. How does NCVC ensure the success of its greening programs?

A14. NCVC monitors vegetation cover, combats illegal logging, and collaborates with global partners to restore and protect natural resources.

Q15. What is the significance of integrating carbon markets with nature-based solutions?

A15. Integration maximizes both environmental and economic returns, making projects financially viable while reducing emissions.

Q16. How do policies and regulations support Saudi Arabia’s carbon market?

A16. Government support and clear regulations provide a stable framework for carbon credit trading and attract international cooperation.

Q17. What is the primary focus of NCVC’s work?

A17. NCVC focuses on developing, protecting, and restoring vegetation cover, preserving biodiversity, and rehabilitating degraded lands across Saudi Arabia.

Q18. How does the workshop contribute to Vision 2030?

A18. The workshop advances Vision 2030’s environmental and economic goals by promoting sustainable practices and carbon market growth.

Q19. What challenges does Saudi Arabia face in growing its carbon market?

A19. Challenges include scaling projects, ensuring transparency, and integrating international standards, which the workshop addressed.

Q20. Why is international cooperation important for nature-based carbon credits?

A20. International cooperation brings expertise, technology, and funding, enabling Saudi Arabia to implement effective and credible carbon credit programs.

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