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Among the most ambitious greening projects worldwide is the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI). While supporting the ambition of reaching net zero, SGI is focused on combating climate change, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment for future generations. Launched in 2021 by the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, it is a bold proof of the commitment to the defined goals on the national level.

The three main objectives of the SGI are to reduce carbon emissions by 278 mtpa (millions of tonnes per annum) by 2030, to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decade and equally rehabilitate 40 million hectares of land, and to protect 30% of Saudi Arabia’s land and sea by 2030.

10 billion trees

The aim is to rehabilitate land and restore natural greenery by planting 10 billion trees. The Saudi and Middle East green initiatives website mentions that the tree-planting initiatives will be implemented over several years, with more than 600 million trees and shrubs expected to be planted by 2023.

With more than 80 greening initiatives of afforestation, biodiversity protection, emissions reduction, and establishing new protected areas, the country is committed to sustainable development.

This huge aim provokes a discussion about how these initiatives are being implemented and what approach is used. Is it an ecological approach or an engineering approach? What is the difference between both, and towards which should we bend?

Two approaches: definition

The ecological approach to tree planting focuses on the use of native species and natural ecosystems to restore and enhance the environment. It depends on understanding and leveraging the existing ecological processes to promote biodiversity and ecological resilience.

The pillars of the ecological approach within the SGI are:

• identifying native plant species adapted to the region’s arid climate
• incorporating native plant species into the planting strategy

As for the engineering approach, it revolves around using technology, innovative techniques, and non-native species, to accelerate the tree planting process. This aims for creating favorable conditions for rapid growth by employing:

• advanced irrigation systems,
• genetic modification, and soil enhancements

Public and private efforts

Collaborative efforts between governmental and private entities underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By leveraging innovative approaches and resources, the Kingdom is working towards its greening goals and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The success of these initiatives highlights the potential for impactful environmental progress when national ambitions are supported by concerted action.

The National Water Company (NWC) has made a remarkable contribution by planting over one million trees in the Madinah region and utilising treated wastewater for irrigation. This showcases the efficient use of resources and aligns NWC’s operations with broader environmental goals. This initiative is vital to combating desertification, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions in the Kingdom.

In parallel, the Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) ‘s ‘Green Suburbs’ initiative transforms urban landscapes by integrating over 300,000 trees and shrubs into residential areas. Launched in October 2023, this project plans to plant 1.3 million trees in over 55 million square meters across the Kingdom, including schools and roads. This initiative underscores the importance of green spaces in urban planning and community well-being.

Advantages and challenges

However, the sustainability of these greening efforts raises important questions. The long-term viability of such large-scale tree planting, especially in a desert climate, depends on continuous resource availability, particularly water, and the selection of tree species that can thrive in Saudi Arabia’s harsh environment. Ensuring these trees grow to maturity and contribute to the ecosystem without exacerbating water scarcity requires careful planning and ongoing management. The challenge lies in balancing ambitious greening goals with sustainable practices that do not compromise the Kingdom’s environmental or water security. As Saudi Arabia continues on its path to a greener future, these initiatives serve as a testament to the Kingdom’s evolving relationship with its natural environment, paving the way for sustainable development and a healthier planet.

An ecological approach is aligned with sustainable development and organic growth. It ensures biodiversity conservation, adaptation to local conditions, and minimal environmental impact. How? Slowly but steadily.

Biodiversity conservation requires using native plant species. Adaptation to location conditions using native plants that “enjoy” being in Saudi’s weather conditions (taking into consideration the diversity of weather across the Kingdom) and do not struggle from the natural soil status. As for the minimal environmental impact, abiding by an ecological approach for greening ensures a minimal usage of external resources and a reduced risk due to invasive species.

On a different note, the engineered approach delivers rapid greening results and uses precise resources. But, this type of approach weighs heavily on the environment especially when it comes to the introduction and massive usage of invasive species. In addition to that, the genetic modification concern causes a different environmental headache, especially that by going this way, we are tinkering in the dark and making turning cities and human lives into experiment fields.

“Aims may justify means”, but alterations of ecosystems, ecologies, and environments have transboundary consequences. So, some initiatives may haunt future generations if implementing policies is not correctly thought through. Be it ecological, engineered, or a hybrid approach for greening in Saudi or elsewhere, it is essential to consider risks and plan to mitigate them.