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RIYADH: As ��������Ƶ prepares to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, it is also taking significant strides toward environmental stewardship.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is organizing the International Exhibition and Forum on Afforestation Technologies’ second annual “Greening Arabia” event, which will run from Dec. 2-13.
The event promises to be a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, featuring participation from government bodies, private enterprises, non-profit organizations, and leading experts from around the globe.
Attendees will include prominent local and international companies specializing in cutting-edge afforestation technologies, making it a unique opportunity to explore the latest advancements in combating desertification and drought.
IEFAT is a pivotal platform for discovering new environmental, economic, and knowledge-based opportunities.
The forum fosters strategic partnerships that can drive impactful change by bringing together diverse stakeholders — from environmental and renewable energy industries to sustainable enterprises and non-profits.
“Greening Arabia” aims to harness advanced technologies to enhance afforestation in arid environments and rehabilitate degraded lands.
The event will encourage participation in the Saudi Green Initiative, empowering local and international communities to embrace afforestation as a vital practice. It will also showcase innovative tools and methodologies, giving specialized companies the chance to present their groundbreaking products and projects.
Participants will engage in discussions on best practices in environmental economics, creating a shared vision for a sustainable future. The forum will identify investment opportunities in greening technologies and vegetation cover.
The COP16 president, ��������Ƶ’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, said: “This is a pivotal moment for our planet. Land restoration is vital to securing a prosperous future for generations to come.”
He made his statement at the “Road to Riyadh” event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 27.
“It is crucial the international community unites to deliver ambitious and lasting solutions that curb land degradation, combat drought, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources,” added Al-Fadley.
He noted that ��������Ƶ’s hosting of COP16 reflects its commitment to both domestic and international environmental preservation and restoration, highlighting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the G20 Global Land Initiative.

RIYADH: A rare species of lizard known as Savigny’s agama (Trapelus savignii) has been spotted in ��������Ƶ’s Northern Borders region, state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday.

It is thought the lizard, notable for its striking coloration, has appeared in the Arar desert due to the abundance of plants and natural reserves in the area.

��������Ƶ’s Northern Borders region is distinguished by its diverse ecosystems due to its vast size and unique geography, resulting in rich biodiversity and natural resources essential for ecological balance, especially among its varied wildlife.

Adnan Khalifta, a member of the Aman Environmental Society and a wildlife enthusiast, explained that this lizard is one of the rare and limited species in the Northern Borders region.

He said the medium-sized lizard has a flat body, broad triangular head, and relatively long tail, covered with large spiky scales on its back and head. It is active during the day.

He added the lizards feed on insects and invertebrates, living in rocky areas and gravel plains where it is well adapted.

To escape the desert heat, it climbs desert shrubs and rocks.

Its coloration generally blends with the sandy surroundings, but males display a striking blue along the head, neck, and sides during mating season to attract females, while females lack this coloration.