The second annual International Exhibition and Forum for Afforestation Technologies opened today in the COP16 Zone in Riyadh, organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), bringing together global specialists to advance the fight against desertification and land degradation. The event is held alongside the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which the Kingdom is hosting for the first time. Have you ever considered how a single exhibition in Riyadh could shape the future of forests and rangelands across continents? The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s expanding role as a convener of global environmental diplomacy, drawing representatives from 197 countries, more than 1,000 speakers, and 300 exhibitors to the Saudi capital.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader, Chief Executive of the NCVC, who framed the gathering as a practical extension of the Kingdom’s environmental commitments under Saudi Vision 2030. He emphasized that the forum reflects the leadership’s determination to promote sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, and to translate high-level pledges into measurable results on the ground. The exhibition, he noted, is not merely a display of technology but a working platform where decision-makers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and community organizations can exchange expertise and build partnerships that outlast the conference itself.
Context and Background
Why does a forum on afforestation technologies matter at this particular moment in global environmental history? The answer lies in the scale of the challenge. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, land degradation affects nearly half of the world’s population and threatens food security, water availability, and climate stability. Saudi Arabia, with its vast arid landscapes, has long understood the urgency of restoring vegetation cover and combating desertification. The NCVC, established to lead these efforts nationally, has become a central institution in the Kingdom’s environmental strategy, coordinating research, policy, and large-scale planting programs across the country.
The forum’s timing is significant because it coincides with COP16, described by organizers as the largest conference in the history of the COP process. Dr. Al-Abdulkader highlighted that this year’s edition includes representatives from 197 countries, 1,000 speakers, and 300 exhibitors, alongside numerous accompanying environmental forums. A major innovation is the introduction of the “Green Zone,” a public-facing area designed for the first time in COP history to engage the general public through exhibitions by government entities, companies, local environmental organizations, and cultural and entertainment activities. This inclusive approach reflects a broader shift in environmental diplomacy toward transparency, education, and community participation.
For international observers, the forum also signals how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations on environmental issues. By hosting both the official COP16 negotiations and a parallel technology exhibition, the Kingdom is creating space for practical cooperation that complements formal treaty discussions. The event allows countries facing similar arid conditions to share solutions, from water-efficient irrigation to drone-based seeding and satellite monitoring of vegetation health.
Key Details
What exactly is being discussed and showcased at the International Exhibition and Forum for Afforestation Technologies? The forum’s sessions address 11 key themes, each targeting a critical dimension of afforestation and land restoration. These include pioneering initiatives in afforestation and vegetation cover development, sustainable water management in afforestation projects, the use of modern technologies in afforestation, monitoring and management, green belts, urban and infrastructure afforestation, combating desertification, and the environmental, economic, and social returns on investment. Each theme is designed to move the conversation from aspiration to implementation, with case studies and technical demonstrations from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
Dr. Al-Abdulkader provided concrete figures to illustrate the Kingdom’s progress. He noted that Saudi Arabia has already planted over 100 million trees and rehabilitated 250,000 hectares of degraded land in partnership with various stakeholders. These achievements are part of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land. The initiative is one of the largest afforestation programs in the world, and its targets are aligned with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life, diversify the economy, and protect natural resources for future generations.
The exhibition also serves as a marketplace of ideas and technologies. Companies specializing in seed technology, soil rehabilitation, renewable-powered irrigation, and artificial intelligence for land management are presenting their work. For Saudi Arabia, these technologies are not abstract; they are essential tools for greening cities, restoring rangelands, and creating green belts around industrial zones. The forum thus functions as a catalyst, connecting investors, researchers, and government agencies in a shared mission to make arid lands productive again.
International and Regional Impact
How will the outcomes of this forum ripple beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders? The presence of delegates from 197 countries indicates that the challenges of desertification and land degradation are truly global. Many nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia face similar climate conditions and look to Saudi Arabia’s experience for scalable solutions. By sharing its expertise in large-scale planting, water management, and technology deployment, the Kingdom is contributing to South-South cooperation and helping to build capacity in regions that lack the resources for ambitious restoration programs. The forum’s emphasis on knowledge exchange ensures that lessons learned in the Arabian Peninsula can be adapted to the Sahel, the steppes of Central Asia, and other vulnerable landscapes.
Regionally, the event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in environmental diplomacy within the Gulf and the broader Arab world. The Kingdom’s commitment to hosting COP16 and organizing a parallel technology forum demonstrates that it is not only participating in global conversations but shaping them. For neighboring countries, the exhibition offers a chance to observe best practices in urban afforestation, which is increasingly important as Gulf cities expand and seek to mitigate heat, improve air quality, and create recreational spaces. The Green Zone, with its public programming, also sets a precedent for how environmental conferences can engage citizens and foster a culture of sustainability.
Economic and Strategic Significance
What economic returns can be expected from investments in afforestation and land restoration? The forum’s agenda includes a dedicated theme on the environmental, economic, and social returns on investment, reflecting a growing recognition that restoration is not merely a cost but an opportunity. Healthy ecosystems provide services worth billions of dollars, from carbon sequestration and soil fertility to water filtration and tourism. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Green Initiative is expected to create jobs in nurseries, landscaping, eco-tourism, and environmental technology. By integrating afforestation into urban planning and infrastructure projects, the Kingdom is also enhancing the livability of its cities, a key objective of Vision 2030.
Strategically, the forum strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a reliable partner in global climate action. The Kingdom has launched several initiatives, including the Middle East Green Initiative, which aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region. These efforts complement the global goal of restoring 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. By hosting technology exhibitions and fostering public-private partnerships, Saudi Arabia is building an ecosystem of innovation that can attract investment and talent. The NCVC’s role in coordinating these efforts underscores the importance of strong institutions in delivering ambitious environmental targets.
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does the afforestation forum connect to the broader aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is built on three pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. Environmental sustainability cuts across all three. A vibrant society requires clean air, green spaces, and a healthy environment. A thriving economy benefits from new industries in renewable energy, water technology, and eco-tourism. An ambitious nation demonstrates global leadership by tackling shared challenges. The forum embodies these principles by showcasing Saudi innovation, facilitating international cooperation, and committing to measurable environmental outcomes.
As the exhibition continues, it will generate new partnerships, announce initiatives, and inspire participants to scale up their efforts. For Saudi Arabia, the event is another milestone on the road to a greener future, one where 10 billion trees take root and 40 million hectares of degraded land are restored. The Kingdom’s leadership in this domain is a testament to its long-term vision and its willingness to work with the world to protect the planet. The International Exhibition and Forum for Afforestation Technologies is not just a conference; it is a statement of intent that the desert can bloom again, and that Saudi Arabia will be at the forefront of that transformation.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the International Exhibition and Forum for Afforestation Technologies?
A1. It is an annual event organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, held alongside COP16 in Riyadh, to showcase technologies and strategies for afforestation and combating desertification.
Q2. Who opened the forum and what did they say?
A2. Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the NCVC, opened the forum. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development under Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s leadership in addressing environmental challenges.
Q3. How many countries are represented at COP16?
A3. Representatives from 197 countries are participating in COP16, making it one of the most inclusive environmental conferences in history, according to official statements.
Q4. What is the Green Zone at COP16?
A4. The Green Zone is a new public-facing area introduced for the first time in COP history. It features exhibitions by government entities, companies, and local organizations, along with cultural and entertainment activities.
Q5. How many trees has Saudi Arabia planted so far?
A5. Saudi Arabia has planted over 100 million trees and rehabilitated 250,000 hectares of degraded land as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, in partnership with various stakeholders.
Q6. What are the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative?
A6. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, contributing to environmental protection and quality of life improvements.
Q7. What themes are covered in the forum’s sessions?
A7. The forum addresses 11 themes, including pioneering afforestation initiatives, sustainable water management, modern technologies, green belts, urban afforestation, combating desertification, and returns on investment.
Q8. How does the forum support Vision 2030?
A8. The forum aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental sustainability, economic diversification, and international cooperation, all of which are central to the Kingdom’s long-term development goals.
Q9. What is the role of the NCVC?
A9. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification leads Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restore vegetation, combat desertification, and implement the Saudi Green Initiative across the Kingdom.
Q10. Why is COP16 significant for Saudi Arabia?
A10. Hosting COP16 demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in global environmental diplomacy and its commitment to addressing land degradation and desertification on an international scale.
Q11. How many speakers and exhibitors are at COP16?
A11. COP16 features over 1,000 speakers and 300 exhibitors, making it the largest conference in the history of the COP process, according to official Saudi sources.
Q12. What technologies are showcased at the exhibition?
A12. The exhibition features technologies for seed improvement, water-efficient irrigation, drone seeding, satellite monitoring, soil rehabilitation, and artificial intelligence for land management, among others.
Q13. How does afforestation benefit the economy?
A13. Afforestation creates jobs in nurseries, landscaping, eco-tourism, and environmental technology, while also providing ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and improved air quality.
Q14. What is the Middle East Green Initiative?
A14. The Middle East Green Initiative is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East, complementing the Saudi Green Initiative and global restoration goals.
Q15. How can other countries benefit from this forum?
A15. Other countries, especially those facing arid conditions, can learn from Saudi Arabia’s large-scale restoration projects, adopt similar technologies, and form partnerships for joint environmental initiatives.
Q16. What is the significance of the public Green Zone?
A16. The Green Zone engages the general public, raising environmental awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability through interactive exhibitions and activities, a first for COP conferences.
Q17. What are the environmental returns on investment mentioned?
A17. Environmental returns include improved soil health, water retention, biodiversity, and carbon capture, which translate into economic benefits such as increased agricultural productivity and reduced desertification costs.
Q18. How does the forum promote international cooperation?
A18. By bringing together specialists, decision-makers, and organizations from 197 countries, the forum facilitates knowledge exchange, joint research, and collaborative projects to combat desertification globally.
Q19. What role do local communities play in afforestation?
A19. Local communities are essential partners in planting, maintaining, and monitoring trees. Their involvement ensures that afforestation efforts are sustainable and aligned with local needs and traditions.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of the forum?
A20. The forum is expected to produce new partnerships, technology transfer agreements, and commitments that accelerate afforestation and land restoration, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and global environmental goals.
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