Saudi Arabia Engages In International Meetings On Wildfire Management In Istanbul

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) recently participated in the Country-Led Initiative on Forest Fire Preparedness and Innovative Technologies (CLI-FFPIT). This event took place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 20 to 22 October 2025, in collaboration with the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat. The initiative aims to enhance knowledge exchange and policy development related to wildfire management.

During the meetings, participants engaged in high-level dialogues and thematic sessions that showcased international experiences and best practices. A field visit was also conducted to observe practical applications in forest and wildfire management. The Saudi delegation actively participated in these discussions and held bilateral meetings with various countries and international organizations to strengthen partnerships.

Dr. Mutlaq Abu Athnain, Deputy CEO at NCVC, expressed gratitude to Türkiye for hosting the initiative. He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation on wildfire management. Dr. Abu Athnain highlighted Saudi efforts in forest development, restoration of degraded areas, and fire prevention, emphasizing regional and global collaboration's importance.

The Saudi delegation explored innovative technologies for wildfire response during the event. They examined ways to localize these technologies within Saudi Arabia. This aligns with NCVC's broader goals of supporting national and international efforts to protect forests and enhance their sustainability.

NCVC is dedicated to implementing programs that promote sustainable vegetation across Saudi Arabia’s forests. These initiatives aim to protect, conserve, and develop ecosystems while aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The center focuses on building capacities and advancing policies to address environmental risks effectively.

In addition to its participation in CLI-FFPIT, NCVC continues its work on developing vegetation cover sites, rehabilitating degraded areas, restoring biodiversity, overseeing rangelands and national parks, detecting encroachments on vegetation cover, and combating illegal woodcutting. These efforts aim for a thriving vegetation cover that enhances environmental sustainability.

The two-year initiative at CLI-FFPIT seeks not only policy development but also promotes sustainable forest management approaches. It encourages using modern technologies while advocating joint action against climate change challenges. Such initiatives are crucial for safeguarding natural resources globally.

NCVC’s involvement in CLI-FFPIT underscores its commitment to advancing policies that address environmental risks while supporting sustainable forest management practices worldwide. Through these efforts, NCVC aims to contribute significantly towards achieving a diverse vegetation cover that improves quality of life.

With inputs from SPA