New Program helps Saudi Arabia’s aim to reach green goals

The Saudi National Afforestation Program has seen nationwide progress in the two weeks since its launch, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The program was launched in 13 areas by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, with the participation of many volunteers, government and private entities, and nonprofit organizations in a bid to achieve Saudi Green Initiative goals.

Many diplomats, environmentalists, organizations and volunteers took part at Thadiq National Park in helping with the planting of 1,500 trees, in cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the Riyadh region.

The King Salman Energy Park, located in the Eastern Province, aims to plant 23,000 seedlings.

Some 5,844 seedlings have been planted in Al-Ahsa National Park, in cooperation with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture.

About 75 volunteers have taken part in Ithra’s reading marathon, which aims to plant a tree for every 100 pages read, and to eventually result in the planting of 5,000 trees.

The initiative aims to boost people’s interest in reading and support social participation in afforestation.