The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) began a native‑seed siring effort in Jubail, Eastern Region, on 2 November 2026, marking the third season of its rehabilitation campaign that pairs seeding with rain‑water harvesting. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Greening Season for 2026 and is intended to broaden vegetation cover, recover degraded soils, and restore grazing lands in line with national conservation objectives.
The NCVC prioritises the use of seeds from local wild and rangeland species that are adapted to the regional climate and vegetation zones. “Planting native species ensures that the vegetation will survive the complex ecological conditions of the Gulf region and reduces the need for intensive irrigation,” the agency said. By matching seed material to specific environmental conditions, the program seeks to preserve plant genetic resources and increase resilience against climate variability.
Lead to one of the centre’s core strategies, this campaign also relies on rainwater‑harvesting techniques that capture episodic precipitation for seed germination and early growth. The NCVC’s approach integrates hydrological data to time sowing when moisture availability is maximised, thereby boosting seed‑ling survival rates. This method represents a shift from earlier broad–scale planting schemes toward precision seeding, enabling more efficient use of limited water resources in the desert.
In selecting sites, the NCVC applies a process of vegetation zoning that identifies degraded plots with high restoration potential. The centre’s monitoring teams use remote‑sensing data and on‑site surveys to assess soil fertility, vegetation cover, and erosion risk. The chosen locations are those where natural grazing patterns have historically supported robust local fauna, thus providing a foundation for hay production and livestock health as part of integrated rural development.
Beyond soil and water management, the program promotes environmental sustainability by fostering the regeneration of areas that historically suffered from overgrazing and wind erosion. By reestablishing native plant cover, the NCVC aims to build a protective buffer against dust storms, stabilize soil profiles, and improve carbon sequestration within the region’s ecosystems.
While the NCVC remains the primary actor responsible for seed selection, planting operations, and ongoing site monitoring, the campaign is executed in partnership with local authorities and community groups. These collaborations are essential for securing land access, coordinating harvest cycles, and ensuring that restoration efforts align with local development plans.
According to the Saudic Press Agency, the NCVC’s third season of the rehabilitation program uses techniques that were refined during the first two seasons, confirming a stepwise improvement in seed‑ling survival rates and vegetation density. Further, the agency highlighted that the integration of rain‑water harvesting was a strategic enhancement designed to make the program more resilient to the unpredictable rainfall patterns seen across the Eastern region.
With the campaign underway, the NCVC anticipates that the planted plots will show measurable increases in native plant cover within the first two growth cycles. The centre plans to passively monitor vegetation progress via satellite imagery and periodically report on the ecological benefits achieved through the initiative.
By launching the native‑seeding campaign in Jubail, the NCVC sets a precedent for future greening projects across Saudi Arabia, signalling a data‑driven and environmentally attentive approach that could be replicated in other vulnerable zones as part of the country’s broader environmental agenda.
