The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) launched a new seeding campaign in the city of Jubail in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, November 2, 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The effort is part of the third season of the center’s rehabilitation program, which seeks to sow native wild and rangeland plant seeds and employ rain‑water harvesting techniques in order to expand vegetation cover, restore degraded land, and promote environmental sustainability.
According to SPA, the initiative follows the first two seasons of NCVC’s nationwide seeding drive, which has worked to rehabilitate natural grazing lands across the Kingdom. The agency noted that the new campaign continues NCVC’s mission to develop, protect, and monitor vegetation sites while overseeing rangelands, forests, and national parks. The organization’s work aligns with the broader national targets for conserving natural resources and combating desertification.
Jubail, located in the Eastern Region, was selected for the campaign because its climate and soil conditions present particular challenges for re‑vegetation; yet they also offer opportunities for successfully establishing hardy native species. SPA emphasized that NCVC selects sites strategically to ensure successful rehabilitation and to guard plant genetic resources. The center’s approach includes planting species that are naturally suited to local environmental conditions and the Kingdom’s various vegetation zones, thereby encouraging adaptation to differing climatic conditions.
In alignment with the 2026 National Greening Season, SPA stated that the campaign’s objectives go beyond simple re‑vegetation. The project will broaden the overall green footprint, rehabilitate rangelands, and help secure environmental sustainability. SPA also highlighted that the National Greening Season is part of the Kingdom’s broader commitment to cleaning up degraded landscapes as part of a larger greening strategy that envisages wider ecological recovery.
Technical details released by SPA mention that the seeds used are native to the region and are sown directly by NCVC personnel. The organization’s seeding plan incorporates rain‑water harvesting to support germination and early plant growth. SPA said that the organization works closely with local authorities to coordinate planting schedules, monitor progress, and update monitoring protocols. The process aims to capture seasonal rainfall patterns, ensuring that new vegetation can thrive even in the harsh desert climate.
Looking forward, SPA reported that NCVC will continue to expand its monitoring and maintenance efforts across the Kingdom. The center’s stated goal is to oversee an expanding network of rangelands, forests, and national parks while pushing for larger vegetation cover as part of the ongoing national greening agenda. SPA stated that the success of this campaign will be measured not only by the number of seedlings planted but also by the restored ecological function and the improved resilience of local ecosystems against desertification.
