Middle East Green Initiative: 35 Billion Trees for the Region
The countries of the Middle East have united in an ambitious project to restore nature: it is planned to plant 35.4 billion trees and restore 99.4 million hectares of degraded land by a certain deadline.
Project Scope and Significance
The Middle East Green Initiative represents regional cooperation aimed at combating desertification and restoring ecosystems. At the 20th meeting of the initiative's Executive Committee, which took place in a virtual format chaired by the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Osama Faqeeha, member states confirmed their national goals for vegetation development. These goals directly contribute to achieving the initiative's regional objectives and demonstrate the seriousness of the participants' intentions.
Coordination Between Countries and Experience Sharing
The meeting gathered official representatives from all member states of the initiative to discuss the implementation of decisions made at the second meeting of the Council of Ministers in Jeddah in January 2026. The Secretary-General of the initiative, Engineer Ibrahim Al-Turki, presented a report on achievements in the first half of the year: implementation of training programs and knowledge transfer, strengthening strategic partnerships with regional and international organizations, and completion of operational preparation of the Secretariat. Experience sharing between countries allows each participant to apply best practices in their national greening programs.
Scientific Support and Initiative Management
To ensure the scientific validity of the project, a Scientific Advisory Committee has been established, consisting of leading international experts. They will provide scientific and technical guidance on vegetation development issues in the region. In addition, the Secretariat has developed five internal management policies, including communication and transparency directions, stakeholder engagement, and administration. A five-year strategy and roadmap for the initiative's development will be presented at the next Council of Ministers meeting.
Ecotourism and Local Community Involvement
The success of such a global project depends not only on government decisions but also on the active participation of local populations. Tourists and pilgrims visiting the region can become part of this movement by participating in volunteer greening programs or simply supporting eco-friendly practices during their travels. Many tour operators are increasingly offering eco-tours that combine cultural heritage exploration with participation in nature restoration projects, allowing guests to contribute to the region's future.
FAQ
Which countries are participating in the Middle East Green Initiative?
The initiative involves Middle Eastern countries coordinating their efforts for nature restoration. Delegations from all member states, represented by deputy ministers and senior officials from the relevant ministries, attended the 20th meeting.
When is the planting of 35.4 billion trees expected to be completed?
The exact timelines for project completion are defined in the national plans of each participating country. The five-year strategy and roadmap for the initiative will be presented at the next Council of Ministers meeting, where the timelines for achieving the goals will be clarified.
How can citizens and tourists participate in nature restoration programs?
Local communities and travelers can join volunteer greening initiatives, support eco-friendly practices, and choose tour operators offering ecotourism programs that combine cultural tourism with participation in environmental restoration projects.
