The Al Jouf Cultural Center in Sakaka hosted the opening of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought forum under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, with wide participation from government bodies, international organizations and experts in the environment and sustainable development, in a step aimed at strengthening efforts to protect natural resources and confront environmental challenges.
In his address, the Governor of the Al Jouf Region underlined the importance of national efforts to preserve the environment and the sustainability of its natural resources, noting that desertification and drought are among the most prominent environmental challenges affecting development, natural resources and communities, which calls for greater cooperation and exchange of expertise to find sustainable solutions.
The Governor said the region's hosting of the forum reflects its environmental and natural assets and the initiatives and projects under way to develop vegetation cover and preserve ecological balance, expressing his hope that the forum's recommendations would support local and international efforts to combat desertification.
The Governor opened the accompanying exhibition, which presented environmental initiatives and projects aimed at restoring degraded land, developing vegetation cover and protecting natural resources, along with the latest practices and technologies in the field.
The forum included specialized sessions and presentations on the Kingdom's efforts to combat desertification and develop rangelands, along with international contributions on global environmental challenges and the importance of strengthening environmental sustainability and protecting natural systems.
A highlight of the forum was the Governor receiving a certificate from Guinness World Records after the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification set a world record for the largest seasonal seed storage collection, an achievement that reflects the Kingdom's commitment to preserving plant diversity and strengthening the sustainability of environmental resources.
The forum closed by honoring participants and the partners supporting seed dispersal and vegetation cover projects, in recognition of their contribution to environmental initiatives and sustainable development goals.
Quick Facts
- Date: 17 June 2026.
- Location: Al Jouf Cultural Center, Sakaka.
- Organizer: National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
- Participants: government bodies, international organizations and environmental experts.
- Key achievement: a Guinness World Record for the largest seasonal seed storage collection.
- Forum themes: combating desertification, sustainability of natural resources, vegetation cover development and protection of ecosystems.
- Objective: strengthening sustainable environmental solutions and confronting the challenges of desertification and drought.
