Key Factors Contributing to the Degradation of Saudi Arabia’s Rangelands Highlighted by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 2, 2023 – The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has recently shed light on five principal factors that are significantly contributing to the degradation of the Kingdom’s vital rangelands. This important announcement underscores the Ministry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to preserving these crucial natural resources for future generations.
Rangelands, which cover vast areas of Saudi Arabia, are essential ecosystems supporting biodiversity, providing grazing grounds for livestock, and playing a critical role in ecological balance. Their deterioration poses significant challenges to both the environment and the livelihoods dependent on them.
According to MEWA’s findings, the following five factors are identified as the primary drivers of rangeland degradation:
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Overgrazing: This is a critical issue where the carrying capacity of the land is exceeded due to an excessive number of livestock. When grazing pressure is too high, plants do not have adequate time to regenerate, leading to reduced vegetation cover, soil erosion, and loss of plant diversity.
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Drought and Climate Change: Saudi Arabia is situated in an arid and semi-arid region, making its rangelands particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. Prolonged periods of drought, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, reduce the availability of water and vegetation, stressing the ecosystem.
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Unsustainable Agricultural Practices: Certain agricultural methods, such as the cultivation of crops in unsuitable areas or improper water management, can lead to soil salinization, nutrient depletion, and the conversion of natural rangelands for agricultural use, thereby reducing the available grazing area.
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Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: The expansion of urban areas, construction of roads, and other infrastructure projects can fragment rangelands, disrupt ecological processes, and directly reduce the total area available for natural vegetation and grazing.
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Invasive Species: The introduction and spread of non-native plant species can outcompete native vegetation, altering the plant community structure and reducing the nutritional value of forage for livestock. These invasive species can also impact soil health and water availability.
The Ministry’s emphasis on these factors signals a proactive approach to addressing the complex challenges facing Saudi Arabia’s rangelands. By identifying these key drivers, MEWA aims to inform policy development, implement targeted conservation strategies, and promote sustainable land management practices across the Kingdom.
The announcement is expected to galvanize further efforts in research, public awareness campaigns, and collaborative initiatives involving stakeholders from government agencies, local communities, and the private sector. Preserving and restoring these valuable ecosystems is paramount to ensuring ecological resilience, supporting sustainable agriculture, and safeguarding the natural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
“البيئة”: خمسة عوامل رئيسة تتسبب في تدهور الأراضي الرعوية بالمملكة
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