Saudi Arabia Strengthens International Dialogue on Protection of Arid Environments and Sustainability

   Rome, October 4, 2026, SPA -- Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), concluded its participation in the 28th session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO28), organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome from September 28 to October 2.
   The session was held alongside the 10th World Forest Week under the theme "Forests for Food, Resilience, and Prosperity."
   Saudi Arabia highlighted its presidency of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission, its experience in sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration, and its efforts to combat desertification and enhance ecosystem resilience. It also contributed to international discussions on challenges facing forests in arid and hyper-arid environments.
   The NCVC delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives of countries and international organizations to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in land and arid ecosystem restoration, forest and rangeland management, water harvesting, modern technologies, ecotourism, and capacity building.
   The Kingdom's participation reflects its efforts to strengthen its presence in international forestry forums and support global efforts to address land degradation and climate change. Saudi Arabia is chairing the Near East Forestry and Range Commission from September 2025 to August 2027, helping convey the region's priorities and needs to international dialogue platforms.
   -- SPA