Saudi Campaign to Restore 350,000 Hectares of Pastures

A nationwide campaign has been launched to rehabilitate 350,000 hectares of natural pastures across Saudi Arabia by 2030, as part of efforts under the Saudi Green Initiative to restore degraded land and expand vegetation cover.

As of early September 2026, more than 51,000 hectares of degraded pastureland have been rehabilitated over the past two years across 58 sites and 15 valleys and meadows. The work involved sowing 109 tons of seeds drawn from 40 plant species. For the current 2026 season, the program targets an additional 60,000 hectares across 70 sites and 25 valleys and meadows, using more than 110 tons of seeds covering 70 plant species.

The campaign is part of broader national restoration efforts that have brought one million hectares of degraded land under restoration and seen more than 159 million trees planted across the Kingdom by mid-2026. Seed quality is tested using International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) standards, while seed dispersal is coordinated with the Regional Cloud Seeding Program to improve rainwater capture and boost plant survival.

Restoration methods include seed sowing, rainwater harvesting, protection of existing vegetation, and controlled grazing measures within targeted rangelands. The effort spans multiple regions, including Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, Madinah, Makkah, Riyadh, the Eastern Region, and Aseer, with phased expansion timed to the rainy season.

Why it matters

Healthier pastures and rangelands help combat desertification, support livestock and wildlife, and improve the resilience of local environments. For communities across the Kingdom, the program is a long-term investment in greener landscapes, better rainwater use, and the sustainable management of grazing lands and forests.

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