عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Varieties

Saudi Greening Forum Draws Broad Int’l Participation

Part of the sponsorship of the National Greening Forum was provided by several Saudi ministers (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the sponsorship of the National Greening Forum was provided by several Saudi ministers (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
20
TT

Saudi Greening Forum Draws Broad Int’l Participation

Part of the sponsorship of the National Greening Forum was provided by several Saudi ministers (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Part of the sponsorship of the National Greening Forum was provided by several Saudi ministers (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Riyadh hosted its first National Greening Forum on Monday, organized by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.

The event aimed to boost participation from government, private, and non-profit sectors in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goal of planting 10 billion trees under the Saudi Green Initiative.

It also aimed to facilitate communication among stakeholders, provide updates, and encourage collaboration.

The forum, endorsed by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, saw broad participation from local, regional, and international stakeholders, experts, and enthusiasts.

Discussions highlighted Saudi Arabia’s $2.5 billion contribution to the Middle East Green Initiative and its significance in combating climate change and fostering regional cooperation.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and Envoy for Climate Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir emphasized the importance of afforestation and land rehabilitation for both the environment and regional stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to addressing global challenges like drought-induced conflicts and displacement.

The minister underscored that afforestation forms an integral component of the Kingdom's strategy to address climate change and environmental concerns, crucial for achieving the goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.

He reiterated the Kingdom's interconnectedness with the international community, emphasizing that global events impact Saudi Arabia and vice versa. Clean air and a healthy environment are essential for global well-being.

Also, at the National Greening Forum, the “Discover Nature” program launched alongside agreements among various entities.

This initiative, part of the Saudi Green Initiative, aims to increase green areas and combat desertification. It promotes awareness about afforestation and sustainable green environments.

Most Viewed

 
Varieties

Carnivorous 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar Dresses in Remains of its Prey

This photo provided by Daniel Rubinoff in April 2025 shows a new species of carnivorous caterpillar, left, which uses a protective case made with insect parts, near a spider in Oahu, Hawaii. (Courtesy Daniel Rubinoff via AP)
This photo provided by Daniel Rubinoff in April 2025 shows a new species of carnivorous caterpillar, left, which uses a protective case made with insect parts, near a spider in Oahu, Hawaii. (Courtesy Daniel Rubinoff via AP)
TT
20
TT

Carnivorous 'Bone Collector' Caterpillar Dresses in Remains of its Prey

This photo provided by Daniel Rubinoff in April 2025 shows a new species of carnivorous caterpillar, left, which uses a protective case made with insect parts, near a spider in Oahu, Hawaii. (Courtesy Daniel Rubinoff via AP)
This photo provided by Daniel Rubinoff in April 2025 shows a new species of carnivorous caterpillar, left, which uses a protective case made with insect parts, near a spider in Oahu, Hawaii. (Courtesy Daniel Rubinoff via AP)

A new carnivorous caterpillar that wears the remains of its prey has been dubbed the “bone collector.”
The odd insect is only found on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It creeps along spiderwebs, feeding on trapped insects and decorating its silk case with their body parts, The Associated Press reported.
There are other meat-eating caterpillars that “do lots of crazy things, but this takes the cake,” said study author Dan Rubinoff with the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Scientists think the case might act as camouflage, allowing the caterpillar to feast on the spider’s ensnared meals without getting caught.
A host of caterpillars native to Hawaii use silk glands to spin protective cases studded with lichen, sand and other materials. This one is the first to use ant heads and fly wings.
“It really is an astonishing type of case,” said Steven Montgomery, an entomology consultant in Hawaii who was not involved with the new study.
Findings were published Thursday in the journal Science. Scientists found just 62 of the carnivorous caterpillars in over 20 years of observing.
Predatory caterpillars are extremely rare and the bone collectors found in Hawaii will even eat each other, researchers said.
The bone collector's origins date back at least 6 million years, making the caterpillars more ancient than the Hawaiian islands themselves. Today, they dwell on an isolated patch of mountain forest alongside invasive species.
“There is really a concern that we need to do better with conservation,” said Rubinoff.