Saudi Arabia certifies first Arabic-speaking experts for WOCAT platform

Saudi Arabia has become the first Arab nation to certify experts and reviewers in Arabic for the World Overview of Conservation in Agrosystems Technologies (WOCAT) global database. This milestone focuses on the documentation and review of sustainable land management practices using Arabic content.

Ten Saudi specialists were accredited following a joint evaluation by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the WOCAT secretariat. The group includes five expert reviewers responsible for technical reviews and quality assessment, and five national experts tasked with verifying and approving documented practices before global publication.

The certified professionals represent various national entities, including the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the National Afforestation Program, King Saud University, King Faisal University, and the Saudi Irrigation Organization. This achievement was supported by technical assistance from the FAO and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for environmental sustainability and land restoration.