Over 95 Million Trees Planted Across the Kingdom Since Launch of Saudi Green Initiative

One of the mountainous areas located in the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (File/Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the mountainous areas located in the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (File/Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Over 95 Million Trees Planted Across the Kingdom Since Launch of Saudi Green Initiative

One of the mountainous areas located in the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (File/Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the mountainous areas located in the south of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (File/Asharq Al-Awsat)

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has said that collaboration with government, private, and non-profit partners has contributed to successfully planting over 95 million trees throughout the Kingdom since the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021.
These efforts have helped rehabilitate 111,000 hectares of degraded vegetation cover, and protect 4.3 million hectares of land currently undergoing rehabilitation. Moreover, 7.1 million cases of natural vegetation regeneration have been recorded, demonstrating significant progress toward increasing the Kingdom’s vegetation cover, according to SPA.
So far, 121 public, private, and non-profit sector partners have contributed to greening efforts, reflecting a commitment to achieving shared national goals, and successful partnerships in the afforestation efforts, in line with the targets of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. These efforts contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving the quality of life, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
NCVC is actively involved in protecting, monitoring, and rehabilitating vegetation cover, addressing violations, combating illegal logging, and managing rangelands, forests, and national parks sustainably. These endeavors are essential to fostering a thriving and sustainable vegetation cover for future generations.



Monsoon Flooding Closes Schools and Offices in India’s Southern IT Hubs

 People use a boat on a flooded street to reach safer place during heavy rains in Chennai, India, Wednesday, Oct.16, 2024. (AP)
People use a boat on a flooded street to reach safer place during heavy rains in Chennai, India, Wednesday, Oct.16, 2024. (AP)
TT

Monsoon Flooding Closes Schools and Offices in India’s Southern IT Hubs

 People use a boat on a flooded street to reach safer place during heavy rains in Chennai, India, Wednesday, Oct.16, 2024. (AP)
People use a boat on a flooded street to reach safer place during heavy rains in Chennai, India, Wednesday, Oct.16, 2024. (AP)

Schools, colleges and government offices were shut Wednesday in parts of southern India as heavy monsoon rains triggered severe flooding.

The worst-hit cities included Chennai and Bengaluru, the country’s industrial and information technology hubs. Power cuts and flight cancellations caused disruption, and thousands of residents prepared for more downpours over the next 48 hours.

The June-September monsoon season has receded in northern parts of the country. However, the northeast monsoon has brought heavy rains to coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and southern Karnataka state. At least 33 people died last month in rains and floods.

Residents of the high-security Poes Garden area in Chennai, where top politicians, industrialists and celebrities live, woke up to severe flooding following overnight rains. Television images showed people struggling through traffic congestion in knee-deep floodwaters.

The India Meteorological Department said that winds of 60 kph (37 mph) were expected to lash the southern region until Thursday.

The Tamil Nadu state government said more than 200 boats and disaster response teams have been deployed and schools, colleges and government offices were closed.

Disasters caused by landslides and floods are common in South Asia. Scientists and weather forecasters have blamed climate change for heavier rains in recent years.