Saudi initiative surpasses 7.5 million trees in landmark afforestation drive
Saudi campaign gains global recognition for combating desertification and promoting sustainability
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia’s Green Qassim Land Initiative has planted over 7.5 million trees since its launch, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s long-term afforestation efforts to combat desertification and improve quality of life.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the initiative has now entered its 15th phase, reaching a total of 7,521,316 trees planted across cities, governorates, and villages throughout the Qassim region.
Launched in 2016 under the patronage of Qassim Governor Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud, and supervised by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, the program has grown steadily and is regarded as one of the Kingdom’s flagship environmental campaigns.
The Qassim branch director of the ministry, Salman Al-Swainah, highlighted the initiative’s achievements, citing its impact on expanding vegetation, restoring ecological balance, and increasing public awareness about environmental issues.
The tree-planting efforts are conducted in two annual phases—March and October—to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and maximize plant survival.
Al-Swainah also credited the campaign’s success to strong collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, civil society organizations, and a growing base of volunteers, which he said reflects the deepening environmental consciousness among Saudi citizens.
In recognition of its progress, the Green Qassim Land Initiative was recently presented at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Faisal Al-Fadl, Secretary-General of the Saudi Green Building Forum, described the initiative as a comprehensive national model that integrates environmental, economic, and social goals.
He noted that the project not only planted millions of trees but also helped create hundreds of green jobs, promoted sustainable urban growth, and became a role model for regional afforestation efforts.
The initiative forms a core component of Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental goals under Vision 2030, aligning closely with the Saudi Green Initiative and Quality of Life Program.
It also supports national targets linked to rural development, clean water access, sustainable urban planning, and responsible natural resource management.
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