RIYADH: Intending to expand vegetation cover across Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification has recently planted 100 million seedlings in Al-Jouf province.
Among the species planted were saltbushes, mugworts, Acacia etbaica and Calligonum comosum, distinguished by their ability to survive in harsh and dry climates.
The plants play a role in stabilizing soil, combating desertification, absorbing carbon dioxide and providing shelter to bird species.
The Kingdom’s northern region has seen considerable efforts lately to improve vegetation cover as part of the country’s sustainable development objectives.
These include increasing the amount of greenery, part of the ongoing efforts for the national Saudi Green Initiative.
