en.Wedoany.com Reported, Saudi Arabia recently announced the successful restoration of 1 million hectares of degraded land, a significant achievement in the country's environmental governance efforts in arid regions. This initiative, part of the "Saudi Green Initiative," aims to address challenges such as land degradation and water scarcity.
Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, stated: "Restoring 1 million hectares of land is a crucial step in Saudi Arabia's environmental work. This reflects our commitment to sustainability. Through collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities, we can enhance ecosystems, support biodiversity, and contribute to achieving the goals of Vision 2030."
The land restoration plan, implemented under harsh climatic conditions, utilized technical measures such as artificial rainfall, sandstorm warnings, and the expansion of protected areas. These measures not only improve the environment but also enhance agricultural output and water quality monitoring management capabilities, becoming an integral part of the national development strategy.
Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), noted: "This achievement demonstrates that large-scale land restoration is feasible. At a time when the world faces increasing drought pressures, it sends a positive signal to all countries: through the combination of policy and action, environmental challenges can be transformed into development opportunities." Her comments reflect the growing strategic value of land restoration within ESG and climate policies.
Dr. Fouad added: "Land is our most critical infrastructure. When land degrades, water systems and food production are affected, and community vulnerability increases. Investing in healthy land means investing in stability and prosperity." This positioning closely links land restoration with climate finance, food security, and other related fields.
As the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification approaches in August 2026, Saudi Arabia's progress provides a reference for translating national strategies into tangible outcomes. Restoring 1 million hectares of land showcases the importance of systemic action rather than incremental improvements.
Against the backdrop of rising global drought risks, Saudi Arabia's land restoration experience indicates that such measures are crucial for economic security and long-term growth. Land restoration has become a core pathway for addressing environmental and climate challenges, offering a replicable model for other countries.
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