The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) began a campaign on Sunday, November 2, 2026, to sow native wild and rangeland plant seeds in Jubail, an industrial city in the Eastern Region. The effort is part of the third season of the NCVC’s rehabilitation program and aligns with the 2026 National Greening Season, a nationwide initiative to increase vegetation cover and restore degraded land.
NCVC’s mandate, established to combat desertification and enhance vegetation cover, has historically focused on re‑vegetating rangelands and protecting natural grazing lands. The organization’s work spans forests, national parks, and grazing areas across the Kingdom, aiming to preserve plant genetic resources and ensure sustainable land use for future generations.
The current campaign marks the third season of NCVC’s rehabilitation project and is the organization’s first large‑scale seeding effort in the Jubail region. This eastern city, known for its petrochemical industries, has seen substantial land degradation, prompting the NCVC to target these areas for restoration.
The primary objectives of the seeding drive are to expand vegetation cover, restore degraded land, rehabilitate rangelands, and promote environmental sustainability. These goals align directly with national targets for conserving natural resources, which foreground sustainable development within the Kingdom’s broader ecological strategy.
NCVC’s methodology involves direct sowing of native seeds that are specially chosen to match local environmental conditions and Saudi Arabia’s diverse vegetation zones. The seeds are selected to thrive in Jubail’s unique climate, where high temperatures and limited rainfall pose challenges to plant survival. By tailoring seed selection to the region’s conditions, the NCVC seeks to maximize germination rates and long‑term establishment.
To enhance plant survival, the campaign incorporates complementary rainwater‑harvesting techniques. Captured runoff is used to irrigate seedbeds, reducing reliance on scarce water resources and improving germination rates during the critical early stages of plant growth. This approach underscores the NCVC’s commitment to efficient, water‑conservative practices in desert reclamation.
An important part of the initiative is the preservation of plant genetic resources. By selecting locally adapted species, NCVC aims to preserve the genetic diversity necessary for future climate adaptation. This focus on genetic resilience is expected to help vegetation survive the region’s climatic variability and shifting environmental conditions.
NCVC is also actively monitoring and overseeing the established sites to ensure continued protection and proper development. The center’s surveillance extends beyond Jubail, covering rangelands, forests, and national parks throughout the Kingdom. This oversight helps maintain the integrity of rehabilitated areas and prevents re‑degradation through unsustainable land use.
For the residents of Jubail and the surrounding communities, the campaign offers several tangible benefits. Restored vegetation can improve local ecosystem services such as air quality, soil stability, and shade. Additionally, new green areas create recreational possibilities and could increase property values, supporting local economic growth.
Institutionally, the campaign dovetails with the Kingdom’s broader environmental agendas, notably the National Green Initiative and the 2026 National Greening Season. By contributing to the greening targets, NCVC reinforces the government’s commitment to expanding vegetation cover and mitigating desertification effects across Saudi Arabia.
The broader 2026 National Greening Season, of which the NCVC’s activity is a component, set ambitious goals for increasing vegetation density throughout the country. The campaign’s progress will be measured against national metrics, ensuring that the seeding effort contributes measurably to the larger greening objectives.
Looking forward, NCVC plans to evaluate the success of the Jubail seeding operation and apply lessons learned to future projects in other regions. The organization intends to scale up seed releases to additional degraded sites, enhancing the national ecological network and fostering long‑term environmental resilience.
The initiative highlights civic stakes related to institutions, public accountability, and community well‑being. By documenting the NCVC’s transparent actions and publicizing detailed program data, the organization supports citizen engagement and responsibility in environmental stewardship. Residents and local stakeholders can track the campaign’s outcomes, fostering a collaborative approach to green infrastructure and demonstrating the role of public institutions in sustaining a healthier, more resilient environment for all Saudis.
