Saudi Green Initiative: 159M+ Trees Planted

Aug 13, 2026
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Saudi Green Initiative: 159M+ Trees Planted

Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with one of its largest environmental drives through the Saudi Green Initiative, the national program tasked with cutting emissions, expanding tree cover, and protecting land and sea across the Kingdom. The effort has become a central pillar of the country's long-term sustainability plans and a growing point of interest for communities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond.

Under its 2030 targets, the Kingdom aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually, plant 10 billion trees, and place 30% of its land and marine areas under protection. Officials say more than 159 million trees have already been planted, over 1 million hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and more than 85 initiatives are now active under the program.

Fighting desertification

A major focus is combatting desertification through the National Greening Program, which works to restore damaged land and expand vegetation cover in regions affected by soil degradation and dwindling greenery. These measures aim to improve air quality, protect biodiversity, and build more resilient natural surroundings for residents.

Recent environmental messaging tied to Saudi Environment Week 2026 has also highlighted stronger governance, larger protected areas, higher recycling rates, and expanded restoration programs, signaling a broader push toward long-term ecological stability.

For residents and expats alike, the initiatives translate into greener public spaces, cleaner air, and a wider network of protected natural areas. As tree planting and land restoration scale up, communities across the Kingdom can expect gradual but visible changes to their local environment in the years ahead.


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Saudi Green Initiative: 159M+ Trees Planted | Saudi Living