World Day: Saudi Arabia highlights desertification risks

Jeddah, 17 June: Saudi Arabia is participating in World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, which is celebrated on June 17 each year to raise awareness of the growing threats posed by desertification and the importance of preserving multifariousness.

Authorities said the Kingdom, which is committed to promoting sustainable development as part of its Saudi Vision 2030 strategy, is making significant efforts to tackle desertification and drought and preserve resources such as forests, pastures, and agricultural land.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said it is working to prevent the misuse and degradation of land, including major efforts in scientific research. It has also established specialized projects in fields related to sustainable development, and to help combat the degradation of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity.

The aim is to ensure a healthy and proper environment for current and future generations. The ministry stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing the causes of environmental degradation such as the rearing of livestock, logging, unsuitable agricultural methods, misuse of water resources, and bad practices while hiking.

The Kingdom has also established the National Center for the Development of Vegetation Cover and
Combating Desertification, and in 2019 issued a national strategy for natural pastures to improve the
management of pasture lands, forests, and national parks, preserve plant genetic resources and vegetation
cover outside of protected areas, and combat desertification.

The Saudi Arabia Geological Survey monitors the degradation of land and the sand drift on main roads,
residential areas and other sites, and develops scientific solutions and recommendations to mitigate
geohazards and preserve regions at risk of degradation.