Saudi Arabia Showcases Forest Conservation Efforts at UN Forum

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Saudi Arabia is actively participating in the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), currently taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The event has brought together global delegations, along with leading environmental and forestry experts, to advance international dialogue on sustainable forest management.

United Nations Forum on Forests

During the opening session, Dr. Najeeb Alsubhi, head of the Saudi delegation, delivered the Kingdom’s national address. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s local and regional initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring forests, and called for stronger international cooperation to secure the long-term sustainability of forest ecosystems.

Later in the session, Dr. Saleh Alzamanan, Director of Mangrove Forests at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), emphasized the importance of empowering local communities to derive sustainable benefits from forests, aligning community engagement with broader environmental goals.

The UN Forum on Forests serves as the leading global platform for forest-related discussions. It aims to promote sustainable forest management, preserve natural resources, balance economic and environmental priorities, and monitor progress toward the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. Moreover, the forum also focuses on reversing deforestation, expanding protected forest areas, and advancing the role of forests in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its strong commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable land use, and leadership in forest sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the Kingdom recognizes the vital role forests play in combating desertification and climate change, reducing urban heat, and enhancing biodiversity—key components of its broader sustainable development vision.

NCVC

As part of the forum, the NCVC will host a side event on Wednesday in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The session will also highlight Saudi Arabia’s forest protection strategies and promote international collaboration for sustainable forestry.

The NCVC continues to lead several major initiatives, including the ambitious “Grow 60 Million Trees” campaign, which aims to rehabilitate 300,000 hectares of land by 2030. In addition, the NCVC enforces the Executive Regulation for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, with a strong focus on Article Six related to forest management. This article mandates the implementation of a national sustainable forest plan and the regulation of grazing within forested areas.