RIYADH: A new initiative launched in Riyadh aims to improve water efficiency and support environmental conservation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, according to the report on Tuesday.
The project was introduced by Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and Yazeed Al-Asheikh, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at King Saud University.
It focuses on estimating water requirements for native plant species such as haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim.
The initiative will also evaluate the use of biochar to enhance water efficiency and promote sustainable plant growth.
In addition to water optimization, the project will assess the carbon storage capacity of native vegetation in Riyadh and Qassim, and mangrove ecosystems in Asir and Jazan.
The launch event included presentations on the project’s goals, stages, and expected outcomes.
Field surveys have already started to pinpoint essential areas and plant communities.
This effort is part of broader initiatives by the center to promote sustainable vegetation, restore ecosystems, manage rangelands, and safeguard natural resources across the Kingdom.
