Jeddah: National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Chief Executive Eng. Ahmed Al-Ayada affirmed Saudi Arabia’s pledge over the next two years to work with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and all member states to develop millions of hectares through operational business models that advance forest development and combat desertification in the Near East region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Ayada’s remarks came at the conclusion of the 27th session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission, hosted by Jeddah Governorate under the joint coordination of FAO and NCVC. Al-Ayada explained that the session addressed a wide range of issues related to sustainable forest and rangeland management. These included global initiatives; enhancing forest production and livelihood opportunities; mangrove restoration; challenges and solutions in forest and range management to combat drought, prevent forest fires, improve forest health, and limit invasive species; the Green Cities Initiative; and tree planting projects aimed at reducing sand and dust storms. Discussions also explored the use of big data and artificial intelligence to transform agri-food systems through forests and rangelands, to prepare a strategic recommendation for the 38th Near East Conference.
He added that the 27th session produced several recommendations, including active participation in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, improving coordination across sectors to ensure the long-term success of land restoration initiatives, conducting a regional assessment of investment opportunities in forest and range restoration, and enhancing financing for ecosystem restoration programs. Other recommendations emphasized evaluating global forests and international initiatives, promoting investment in non-timber forest products to bolster food security and sustainable growth, and prioritizing drought management in the Near East region.
Al-Ayada further noted that the recommendations included supporting nature-based solutions such as restoring forests and rangelands to combat drought and sandstorms, strengthening forest health management to reduce the threat of invasive species, and backing the Green Cities Initiative to expand urban green spaces, mitigate sandstorm effects, and enhance environmental sustainability in cities. The recommendations also called for promoting integrated forest-fire management through the development of national fire management strategies, roadmaps, joint field exercises, and a regional early warning system that integrates weather and vegetation data to minimize risks and damage.
