Saudi Arabia has unveiled one of the most ambitious environmental initiatives in the world, announcing plans to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom as part of a sweeping effort to combat desertification, restore ecosystems, and improve air quality.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), the government aims to rehabilitate more than 74 million hectares of degraded land—a formidable challenge in a country where nearly 95 percent of the territory is classified as desert. Officials say the project is designed to increase vegetation cover, reduce sandstorms, and help rebalance fragile ecosystems that have been strained by climate change and land degradation.

The initiative forms a central pillar of the broader Middle East Green Initiative, which seeks to promote regional cooperation in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. By encouraging neighboring countries to adopt similar measures, Saudi Arabia hopes to scale up reforestation and land restoration efforts across one of the world’s most arid regions.

To address the practical challenges of planting trees in desert environments, Saudi Arabia is experimenting with innovative soil and water management techniques. According to Arab News, these include the use of carbon-rich compost derived from chicken manure to improve soil fertility, enhance moisture retention, and support plant survival in areas with scarce water resources. Researchers and planners are also testing drought-resistant plant species and more efficient irrigation methods.

Supporters argue that large-scale vegetation projects could help lower temperatures, improve air quality, and reduce the frequency and intensity of sandstorms that affect both urban and rural areas. The initiative is also aligned with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of diversifying its economy and improving quality of life as part of its long-term national development strategy.

However, environmental experts note that the success of the project will depend on long-term maintenance, water management, and careful ecological planning. Large-scale tree planting in arid regions has historically faced challenges, particularly when species selection or water use is not carefully managed.

Even so, the scale of the Saudi Green Initiative has drawn global attention. If successful, it could reshape landscapes across the Kingdom and offer a model—along with cautionary lessons—for other countries facing desertification and climate stress.

As climate pressures intensify worldwide, Saudi Arabia’s effort underscores a growing recognition that environmental restoration, even in the harshest conditions, is becoming a strategic priority rather than an optional ambition.