On Sunday, 2 November 2026, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) began a native seed‑sowing campaign in Jubail, a city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region. The operation is part of the third season of the NCVC’s rehabilitation program and coincides with the 2026 National Greening Season, a nationwide effort to expand vegetation cover and restore degraded land.
The NCVC’s campaign focuses on sowing seeds of native wild and rangeland plant species that are adapted to the local environmental conditions and the Kingdom’s vegetation zones. By targeting rangelands and natural grazing lands, the agency seeks to rehabilitate ecosystems that have suffered from erosion and loss of plant biodiversity.
In addition to seeding, the NCVC incorporates rainwater harvesting techniques to support the early growth of seedlings in areas where water is limited. This dual approach of seed distribution and water resource management aims to improve plant establishment rates and increase the resilience of newly planted stands.
Site selection for the campaign is strategic. The NCVC chooses locations where the likelihood of successful rehabilitation is highest, ensuring that vegetation can regenerate while preserving plant genetic resources. The agency’s selection criteria also consider how local flora can adapt to different climatic conditions, which is essential for long‑term ecological stability.
Beyond seed sowing, NCVC continues to develop, protect, and monitor vegetation sites across the Kingdom. Its responsibilities extend to overseeing rangelands, forests, and national parks as part of broader efforts to restore ecosystems and safeguard natural resources. This comprehensive stewardship helps maintain ecological integrity in the face of ongoing desertification pressures.
The campaign aligns with the national targets set for conserving natural resources under Saudi Arabia’s environmental strategy. By expanding vegetation cover, the NCVC is directly contributing to the country’s broader goals of ecological restoration and sustainable land use.
Local environmental officials emphasize that the initiative not only provides immediate ecological benefits but also offers long‑term advantages for communities that depend on healthy rangelands. By fostering native plant growth, the NCVC hopes to create more stable habitats for wildlife and improve soil quality, thereby supporting both conservation and economic interests.
As part of the 2026 National Greening Season, the NCVC’s campaign represents a critical step toward Saudi Arabia’s ambition of a greener future. The agency’s efforts demonstrate how targeted conservation practices can transform degraded landscapes into productive, sustainable ecosystems.
