Saudi Arabia’s green dream: Planting 10 billion trees by 2030

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is advancing one of the world’s most ambitious environmental projects as it continues its drive to plant 10 billion trees by 2030. As part of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Kingdom is actively working to restore 74.8 million hectares of land and transform its landscapes into greener, more sustainable environments. This effort aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to reshape the economy with a stronger focus on sustainability and environmental protection.

Led by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, the initiative began in 2021. By the end of 2023, Saudi Arabia has already planted 43.9 million trees and shrubs across deserts, mountains, and coastal zones, despite the country’s arid climate and limited rainfall.

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Currently, the project is in its second phase, running from 2024 to 2030, with an emphasis on using natural methods to improve environmental conditions. After 2030, the Kingdom plans to ramp up efforts using advanced technology and human involvement. It also targets the planting of 600 million trees and the restoration of 3.8 million hectares of degraded land by the end of this decade.

The Saudi Green Initiative includes over 80 environmental projects aimed at reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, and expanding green spaces. In addition to afforestation, the Kingdom is working to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.

The large-scale tree-planting effort is expected to clean the air, combat sandstorms, and help restore native ecosystems. It forms a core part of the broader Middle East Green Initiative, which envisions planting 50 billion trees across the region, with Saudi Arabia contributing 10 billion of them.

This ongoing green transformation highlights Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to combating climate change and securing a healthier environment for future generations.