On Sunday, November 2, 2026, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) launched a native seed‑sowing campaign in Jubail, a city in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region. The effort marks the third season of the center’s rehabilitation program and is timed to coincide with the 2026 National Greening Season.
The NCVC’s campaign targets the expansion of vegetation cover in Jubail’s natural grazing lands, with a focus on restoring areas that have suffered degradation. By improving plant cover, the project intends to rehabilitate rangelands and generate broader environmental benefits across the region.
Central to the initiative is the direct sowing of native wild and rangeland plant seeds. These species are chosen for their suitability to local environmental conditions and to the kingdom’s various vegetation zones, ensuring that they will thrive in the specific climatic and soil contexts of Jubail.
To maximize the success of the seeding operation, NCVC selects sites carefully. The chosen locations are identified to preserve plant genetic resources while also facilitating plant adaptation to diverse climatic conditions that may be present across the area.
Beyond seed planting, the NCVC’s work in Jubail incorporates rainwater harvesting techniques. This approach is designed to support moisture retention and contribute to the establishment and long‑term viability of newly sown vegetation.
The campaign is framed within Saudi Arabia’s national targets for conserving natural resources. By aligning with the National Greening Season, NCVC demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to ecological stewardship and sustainable land management.
NCVC’s broader mandate continues to involve the development, protection, and monitoring of vegetation sites throughout the kingdom. The center also oversees rangelands, forests, and national parks, working to restore ecosystems across a wide range of landscapes.
Local authorities and community stakeholders are engaged in the project, drawing on their knowledge of Jubail’s ecological and social dynamics. Their collaboration helps ensure that seeding activities are effectively coordinated and that local benefits are realized.
While the immediate goal is to plant native seeds, NCVC anticipates long‑term ecological impacts, including increased biodiversity and improved soil health. These outcomes are expected to support grazing livestock and bolster the resilience of Jubail’s natural habitats.
Future updates from NCVC will assess the progress of the seed‑sowing effort and determine the need for additional interventions in other regions. The organization plans to monitor vegetation growth patterns and evaluate how the restored areas contribute to the Kingdom’s greening objectives in the coming years.
