Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has launched a project to catalog and analyze wild plants in Saudi Arabia with medicinal, aromatic, toxic, nutritional, and economic properties. This initiative, in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University, aims to expand scientific knowledge of the Kingdom’s native plant species and provide research-based guides to support sustainable resource use and conservation.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the project will create detailed guides featuring scientific and geographical insights on wild plants with medicinal, aromatic, toxic, nutritional, and economic value. It will document key findings, map plant locations and characteristics, and benchmark them against the latest regional and global research. Additionally, the initiative includes the development of tailored media content and digital resources to raise awareness among all segments of society about the importance of native plants and their diverse applications.

This effort aligns with the NCVC’s mission and supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. It strengthens research partnerships among government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders, fostering environmental and economic sustainability. By safeguarding the Kingdom’s plant resources, the project further underscores the NCVC’s role as a leading authority on vegetation cover and biodiversity conservation.

The NCVC remains committed to protecting and rehabilitating vegetation sites across Saudi Arabia, combating illegal logging, and managing rangelands, forests, and national parks. These efforts contribute to sustainable development and the preservation of the Kingdom’s natural heritage, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.