Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has reaffirmed the importance of afforestation as a natural solution to rising summer temperatures, emphasizing that expanding tree cover can cool urban areas improve air quality and enhance overall quality of life.
The ministry’s remarks came during the 20th meeting of the executive committee of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), where member states reviewed progress toward regional goals of planting 35.4 billion trees and rehabilitating 99.4 million hectares of degraded land.
According to the ministry, trees reduce heat by providing shade and limiting heat absorption from roads and pavements. Through transpiration, they also release water vapour that helps cool surrounding air, making cities, parks and public spaces more comfortable while improving air quality.
Officials noted that afforestation supports recreational spaces, encourages outdoor activities and helps mitigate climate change by absorbing up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide per tree annually.
The ministry urged residents to plant native tree species that are better adapted to Saudi Arabia’s climate and require less water, while also promoting proper agricultural practices to ensure tree survival during the summer months. It said these efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s broader environmental sustainability agenda.
During the MGI meeting, Secretary General Ibrahim Alturki presented a progress report outlining achievements in the first half of 2026, including capacity building programmes, stronger partnerships with regional and international organisations, and preparations to strengthen the initiative’s operations.
The committee also reviewed a communications strategy, the launch of the initiative’s official website and social media platforms, nominations to its Scientific Advisory Committee, internal governance policies, and a proposed five year strategy to be presented at the next ministerial council meeting.
Launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Middle East Green Initiative seeks to address desertification rising temperatures and air pollution through regional cooperation. Its long term objectives include planting 50 billion trees across the Middle East, restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land and reducing carbon emissions from hydrocarbon production by more than 60 percent.