On November 4, 2026 the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development, through its Aseer Region branch, launched a seed‑dispersal program in Bisha Governorate aimed at rehabilitating 60,000 hectares of natural rangeland.
Background and Goals
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development (NCVC) is a Saudi Arabian agency tasked with combating desertification and restoring degraded lands. The initiative is part of this year’s National Afforestation Season, which falls under the theme “A Generation That Plants for a Thriving Nation.” The program intends to disperse native forage plant seeds—particularly ramth and arfaj—across the target area while simultaneously collecting rainwater to aid germination.
The goal, according to the Saudi Press Agency, is to increase vegetation‑cover density, preserve biodiversity, reduce land degradation, and curb desertification. These aims support the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the broader Vision 2030 strategic plan for sustainable development.
Seed dispersal will involve a combination of manual and mechanized techniques. In addition to seed distribution, the NCVC will harvest rainwater runoff from the rangeland to ensure sufficient moisture for seedlings during the dry season. The use of rainwater capture aligns with the country’s water‑conservation objectives and represents an innovative approach to rangeland rehabilitation.
The NCVC’s efforts build on years of work to rehabilitate degraded areas, develop natural rangelands, and expand green spaces across the nation. The program’s emphasis on native forage species is intended to match the local climate and soil conditions, thereby improving the likelihood of successful establishment and long‑term sustainability.
Community participation has been a key component of the project. The National Afforestation Season encourages involvement from government agencies, educational institutions, and volunteers. By engaging local communities, the NCVC hopes to create stewardship and awareness around the environmental benefits of restored rangelands.
While the program’s objectives are clear, several open questions remain. The Saudi Press Agency notes that monitoring the growth of dispersed seeds and the effectiveness of rainwater capture will be critical to assessing the initiative’s success. Questions also arise around logistics: How will the 60,000 hectares—spread over the Bisha Governorate—be divided among teams, and what resources will be required to ensure consistent seed placement across the terrain?
Another uncertainty concerns long‑term ecological impact. Experts point out that restoring rangeland ecosystems involves more than seed dispersal; it requires ongoing management to control invasive species, maintain soil health, and monitor wildlife responses. The NCVC has indicated that follow‑up studies will be conducted, though details on the monitoring framework remain sparse in the published brief.
The seed‑dispersal initiative is a tangible early step toward the broader objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. By targeting large tracts of Bisha’s rangeland, the NCVC is addressing pressing desertification challenges, while its partnership with local communities and emphasis on native species reflect a pragmatic approach to ecological restoration in the region.
