The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Water Company (NWC), with the objective of planting 5 million trees native to Saudi Arabia using renewable and non-renewable water resources, such as rainwater and treated wastewater, and modern technologies and international best practices in the field of vegetation cover development and combating desertification.
The MoU was signed by Deputy Minister for Environment, Dr. Osama I. Faqeeha and Eng. Mohammad A. Mowkley, CEO of the National Water Company.
The MoU also aims to enhance collaboration and cooperation between the MEWA and the NWC to build an effective partnership by forming a joint team working to develop an executive plan, under the framework as set out in the MoU, to put an end to the deterioration of natural vegetation cover in forests and pastures. And to combat desertification, restore wildlife habitats, raise environmental awareness and to promote adaptation to climate by planting 5 million native wild trees, as well as to strengthen cooperation between the two parties for the public interest.
Pursuant to the MoU, the two sides will develop a joint program supporting various awareness events, such as the Saudi Environment Week, environmental conferences and campaigns, and environmental awareness campaigns in schools, by encouraging students to green school yards and public parks. They will also cooperate with voluntary organizations to encourage community participation in planting native plants, developing vegetation cover and promoting environmental awareness.
The cooperation also includes the identification of sites and lands targeted for afforestation, the provision of treated wastewater sources, the identification of suitable local plant species of trees and shrubs, the protection of afforestation sites, and the preparation of sites for afforestation works such as fencing, digging and fertilizing, as well as the installation of water tanks and irrigation networks within afforestation sites.