MEWA And NEOM Unveil Discovery Of Eight Previously Unrecorded Native Plant Species In Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and NEOM have identified eight plant species not previously recorded in Saudi Arabia. This discovery is part of the 'NEOM flora program,' which involved an extensive study of NEOM's geology, soil, hydrology, ecology, and topography. The initiative aligns with NEOM's goal to protect 95% of its natural environment and enhance biodiversity documentation and restoration efforts.

Eng. Ahmad Alayadh, MEWA Deputy Minister for Agriculture, stated: "The new plant species have been documented at the National Herbarium within the Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank in Riyadh. These species represent a significant addition to the recorded flora of Saudi Arabia." He commended the team responsible for this achievement.

The NEOM Nature Reserve plays a crucial role in safeguarding and rejuvenating NEOM's unique landscape. Dr. Paul Marshall, Head of the NEOM Nature Reserve, emphasized that their conservation work is backed by meticulous planning and management within NEOM's development zones. The NEOM Flora Program exemplifies this approach, highlighting NEOM's dedication to restoring its natural environment.

Dhiya Zaidan, Senior Manager of Landscape Architecture at NEOM, noted: "Over the past two and a half years, this initiative has yielded remarkable results, including documenting 345 local plant species, 28 rare species, and eight new registered plant species not previously recorded in the Kingdom. This would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our researchers and scientists on the ground."

Launched in 2021, the flora program is one of NEOM's key initiatives aimed at documenting and conserving the region's natural heritage. By enhancing understanding of local vegetation and plant species in the area, this program contributes significantly to conservation efforts. A central aspect of NEOM's strategy is establishing a world-class protected area to safeguard 95% of its nature.

The eight newly discovered plant species include Bituminaria flaccida (Nábělek) Greuter, Cicer judaicum Boiss., Crambe hispanica L., Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC., Hyoscyamus boveanus (Dunal) Asch & Schweinf., Muscari longipes subsp Longipes, Phagnalon nitidum Fresen., and Plantago sinaica (Barnéoud) Decne.

This discovery underscores MEWA and NEOM's collaborative efforts to enrich Saudi Arabia’s botanical records. The documentation at Riyadh’s National Herbarium ensures these plants are preserved for future research. Such initiatives are vital for understanding regional biodiversity better.

With inputs from SPA