RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, attended the 18th session of the UN Forum on Forests in New York City from May 8-12.
During the event, the center shed light on the various initiatives, ambitious plans and achievements related to forest development, protection and sustainability within the framework of the Saudi Green Initiative.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature highlighted opportunities for forest ecosystem restoration, in addition to the G20 Global Land Initiative.
The forum praised the initiative adopted by the center to plant 60 million trees and rehabilitate 300,000 hectares of forest lands and valleys, in addition to the implementation of the national forest strategy’s programs and projects.
It also announced that the Kingdom will host the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
The forum welcomed the participation of a large number of delegations of UN member states, including ambassadors and representatives of countries and organizations.
The attendees expressed their admiration for the ambitious work and environmental achievements of the Kingdom.
The UNFF meets annually at UN headquarters in New York City with the aim of protecting, developing and sustaining forests around the world to help promote social development, improve livelihoods and contribute to poverty eradication, at a time when forests are threatened by unsustainable practices and economic crises.
