Saudi National Afforestation Program sees nationwide progress in two weeks since its launch

According to the Saudi Press Agency, in the two weeks since its inception, the Saudi National Afforestation Programme has made headway throughout the country. The National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification established the programme in 13 locations with the help of several volunteers, public and commercial organisations, and nonprofits in an effort to meet the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.

At Thadiq National Park, a large number of diplomats, environmentalists, organisations, and volunteers assisted in planting 1,500 trees in collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in the Riyadh area. 23,000 seedlings are to be planted at the King Salman Energy Park, which is situated in the Eastern Province. The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture has worked with Al-Ahsa National Park to plant about 5,844 saplings. Ithra's reading marathon has attracted about 75 volunteers. The goal of the event is to plant a tree for each 100 pages read, with the ultimate goal of planting 5,000 trees. 

The programme seeks to encourage reading among the public and encourage group afforestation efforts.