Saudi Arabia promotes forest sustainability at FAO's COFO28

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, concluded its participation in the 28th session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO28). The event was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome from September 28 to October 2, 2026.

During the sessions, Saudi Arabia highlighted its leadership as the chair of the Forests and Rangelands Committee in the Near East. Dr. Saud Al-Rowaili, Deputy CEO for Vegetation Cover Development and Management, outlined regional priorities including the integration of forests, rangelands, and agriculture to enhance food security and climate resilience. He also emphasized the importance of early fire warning systems and the implementation of green cities linked to the Middle East Green Initiative.

Dr. Najib Al-Subhi, Director of the Valleys Department, discussed the strategic importance of forests in protecting biodiversity and supporting livelihoods. He highlighted the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative in expanding afforestation projects and rehabilitating degraded lands, noting the Kingdom's recent international recognition for its restoration initiatives.