Local media reports that the Saudi National Centre for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification has planted more than 12 million wild trees and shrubs.

As part of the National Pasture Strategy Initiative — part of the National Transformation Program to realize Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 — the center planted the trees as part of the Integrated Management and Sustainable Development of Pastures Project.

More than 12 million trees and shrubs will be planted in 100 locations to create floodplains and gardens. It also seeks to rehabilitate more than 225,000 hectares of pasture land in several regions of Saudi Arabia by 2030.

In the center's initiative, several projects are planned, such as raising awareness about flood paths and gardens that need to be preserved and monitored.

In this initiative, data will be collected and field studies will be compiled to prepare maps for planting indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as seed dispersal. This would contribute to strengthening community participation and developing the targeted areas in terms of generating job opportunities.

In collaboration with environmental groups, private companies and the Beekeepers Association, the center will target a number of floodplains for bee breeding.

It is the floodplains and gardens that play such an important role in preserving the environment, such as storing carbon and mitigating the effects of climate change, sand encroachment, and dust storms.