Rewilding Efforts in AlUla: Planting 500,000 Trees and Shrubs to Restore Native Ecosystems
AlUla’s Sharaan Nature Reserve has undergone a remarkable transformation with the recent planting of 500,000 trees and shrubs as part of a monumental effort to restore its native ecosystems.
Led by the Royal Commission for AlUla, this project is in full support of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has set a target to plant 10 billion trees across the nation.
In November, the initiative mobilized AlUla residents, students, and commission employees to work together towards this significant milestone, according to a recent press release.
Utilizing locally sourced seeds and cultivating them at the commission’s native plant nursery, the reforestation project focused on prioritizing species that improve soil health, retain water, and enhance nutrient availability, all while creating a sustainable food source for the herbivores introduced through the commission’s rewilding program.
To date, over 1,000 native animals have been released into four protected reserves in AlUla as part of the rewilding efforts. This project is also a key component of a larger ecological rehabilitation pilot in collaboration with the Saudi Green Initiative, testing restoration techniques specifically tailored for arid regions.
Stephen Browne, the commission’s vice president for wildlife and natural heritage, emphasized the importance of restoring nature’s balance to preserve AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.
“Planting 500,000 trees and shrubs marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to combat climate change,” Browne stated.
“The rejuvenation of AlUla’s natural habitats – its valleys, mountains, oases, flora, and fauna – stands as one of the primary goals of the commission, alongside engaging, empowering, and enhancing the skills of our community,” Browne added.