Saudi Arabia Pushes Massive 10 Billion Tree Project to Reclaim the Desert

Saudi Arabia's 10 Billion Tree Plan Aims to Green the Desert, Boost Sustainability

Saudi Arabia has launched one of the planet's most ambitious environmental projects: planting 10 billion trees across its vast deserts. This cornerstone of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) aims to combat land degradation, enhance sustainability, and support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 transformation.

A Visionary Plan for a Greener Future

The goal extends beyond symbolism. This massive afforestation effort is central to Saudi Arabia's strategy to reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and rehabilitate approximately 74 million hectares of degraded land—an area comparable to the United Kingdom. Launched in 2021, the SGI marks a strategic pivot towards environmental stewardship and economic diversification away from oil dependency.

The "Why" and "How" of Desert Greening

With 95% of its land being desert, Saudi Arabia faces unique challenges. Success relies on science and meticulous planning. Prior to the launch, authorities conducted over 1,150 field surveys, analyzing soil, water availability, and climate to identify the best native, drought-resistant species for survival. The focus is on ecological restoration and carbon capture, not just planting numbers.

A Two-Phase Roadmap to 10 Billion Trees

The initiative follows a structured, long-term approach:

• Phase 1 (2024-2030): A nature-based strategy targeting over 600 million trees and the rehabilitation of 3.8 million hectares of land.

• Phase 2 (Post-2030): A scaled-up effort with greater technological and human intervention to expand greening across the Kingdom.

Benefits Beyond Greenery

The project promises wide-ranging environmental and socio-economic impacts:

• Climate Mitigation: Trees will aid carbon sequestration and help reduce urban heat and dust storms.

• Improved Public Health: Increased urban tree cover can enhance air quality and moderate city temperatures.

• Job Creation: The initiative will generate employment in nurseries, planting, land rehabilitation, and environmental monitoring.

• Ecosystem Restoration: Strategic planting supports biodiversity and restores natural habitats.

Tackling the Ultimate Challenge: Water Scarcity

Water is the primary constraint. Saudi Arabia is employing innovative solutions like treated wastewater reuse, advanced irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and cloud seeding to sustainably support tree growth without straining precious freshwater resources. Urban projects like "Green Riyadh" are already implementing these systems.

Progress and Regional Leadership

Significant progress is underway, with tens of millions of trees already planted. The SGI also contributes to the broader Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), which aims for 50 billion trees across the region. Saudi Arabia's pledge represents a substantial portion of this regional goal.

Also Read: Major Policy Shift: Saudi Arabia Introduces 4-Tier Sugar Tax in 2026

Challenges and Global Implications

Critics highlight concerns over long-term water demands and maintenance in an arid climate. Saudi officials emphasize that the plan is science-based and adaptive, designed for ecological resilience rather than creating a conventional forest.

If successful, this project could become a global model for arid nations combating desertification and climate change, proving that even the driest landscapes can be part of a sustainable, greener future.