Saudi Arabia Drives Regional Dialogue At IYRP 2026 NENA Conference In Tunisia

Saudi Arabia, represented by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, joined the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026 NENA Regional Conference in Hammamet, Tunisia. The participation highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role in environmental governance and its efforts to support sustainable rangelands across the Near East and North Africa region.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification delegation took part in high-level discussions with ministers and senior officials from several countries. These talks focused on policy directions for rangeland governance, long-term sustainability, and stronger support for pastoralist communities, reflecting joint regional interest in protecting fragile ecosystems and natural resources.

The conference was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, working with international and regional partners. Saudi Arabia’s presence supported preparations for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026. It also complemented Saudi Arabia’s COP16 Presidency under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and its chairing of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification contributed scientific and technical expertise during a session on integrating biodiversity into rangeland management. The delegation also joined a dedicated session on research and innovation in rangeland management, where Saudi Arabia’s experience, tools, and innovative approaches were outlined for participating countries and specialised organisations.

The delegation presented national programmes to regulate grazing, rehabilitate natural rangelands, and restore vegetation cover across Saudi Arabia. Videos and posters showed major milestones, including Guinness World Records achievements. These materials illustrated large-scale implementation efforts and highlighted how coordinated national projects are supporting rangelands and pastoralists while improving land productivity.

According to the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, participation in the Hammamet conference supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals for a thriving environment and sustainable development. It also aims to enhance rangeland ecosystem sustainability, protect natural resources, and strengthen food security, while backing regional and international efforts to combat desertification.

With inputs from SPA