Saudi program identifies 55 native plant species for afforestation in Qassim
Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The National Afforestation Program has confirmed the presence of more than 55 native plant species suitable for afforestation in the Qassim region, supporting efforts to expand vegetation cover and combat land degradation.
The program said the species include trees, shrubs, and perennial and annual grasses such as salim, Umm Ghailan, samar, arfaj, gharqad, arta, ramth, wild sidr, tamarisk, awsaj and wormwood.
The plants belong to several botanical families, including legume, composite, nightshade, grass and tamarisk.
The program, which operates under the Saudi Green Initiative to plant 10 billion trees by 2030, noted that Qassim’s local environments include valleys, plains, dunes, meadows, inland salt flats, mountains and other ecosystems.
It also highlighted its role in promoting community participation in afforestation initiatives through partnerships with government, private and non-profit sectors.
Afforestation aligns with Vision 2030 goals by improving environmental health through soil stabilization, reduced dust storms and improved air quality.
Expanding vegetation cover also helps absorb carbon dioxide, lowering atmospheric carbon levels and supporting climate change mitigation and long-term environmental sustainability, the program said.
