Saudi Arabia Champions Global Efforts Against Desertification and Drought, Rehabilitating Vast Arable Lands
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – June 17, 2025 – In a significant demonstration of its commitment to environmental stewardship and global sustainability, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today joined the international community in observing the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) announced that the Kingdom has successfully rehabilitated an impressive 313,000 hectares of land and secured protection for 18.1% of its terrestrial areas, underscoring its proactive approach to tackling these critical environmental challenges.
This remarkable achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to restoring degraded lands, enhancing biodiversity, and building resilience against the impacts of desertification and drought. The scale of the rehabilitation efforts signifies a substantial investment in the Kingdom’s natural resources, aiming to improve soil health, conserve water, and foster sustainable land management practices.
The announcement was made by MEWA as part of its participation in global activities to mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This annual observance serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for concerted action to prevent land degradation and support affected communities worldwide.
The rehabilitation of 313,000 hectares represents a monumental undertaking, likely involving a range of strategic interventions. These could include afforestation and reforestation projects, the restoration of degraded rangelands, the implementation of water harvesting techniques, and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural practices. Such initiatives are crucial for reclaiming land that has been impacted by various factors, including unsustainable land use, climate change, and extreme weather events.
Furthermore, the protection of 18.1% of Saudi Arabia’s terrestrial areas demonstrates a strategic commitment to conserving vital ecosystems. Protected areas play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and providing essential ecosystem services. This broad conservation effort ensures the long-term health and vitality of the Kingdom’s natural heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance on desertification and drought aligns with its ambitious Vision 2030, which places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and the preservation of natural resources for future generations. The Kingdom recognizes that addressing these global environmental concerns is not only a national priority but also a collective responsibility.
Through these significant achievements, Saudi Arabia is setting a powerful example for other nations, showcasing that with focused policy, substantial investment, and a long-term vision, substantial progress can be made in combating desertification and drought. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture continues to be a driving force in these efforts, working tirelessly to ensure a greener and more sustainable future for the Kingdom and contributing to global endeavors for a healthier planet.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
mewa.gov.sa published ‘المملكة تشارك العالم الاحتفاء باليوم العالمي لمكافحة التصحر والجفاف بإعادة تأهيل 313 ألف هكتار وحماية 18.1% من مناطقها البرية’ at 2025-06-17 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.