New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia
The initiative aims to restore land, expand vegetation, protect habitats and reduce carbon emissions. (SPA)
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Updated 27 March 2025
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New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

New initiative launched to boost agroforestry in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project to enhance environmental sustainability, social development and economic growth.

The project assesses agroforestry conditions, applies global best practices and promotes investment for sustainable forest management, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it supports environmental sustainability and combats desertification, the SPA added.

As part of the project, the center will activate its December 2024 memorandum with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry to enhance research collaboration and implement advanced agroforestry techniques.

The initiative aims to restore land, expand vegetation, protect habitats and reduce carbon emissions. It also fosters resilient forest ecosystems and improves forest areas across the Kingdom.

Additionally, the center is advancing sustainable forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees, rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030.


Saudi Arabia, France chair UN briefing on Palestinian cause

Saudi Arabia, France chair UN briefing on Palestinian cause
Updated 12 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, France chair UN briefing on Palestinian cause

Saudi Arabia, France chair UN briefing on Palestinian cause
  • UN members back joint initiative for peace talks in June

RIYADH: The permanent representatives of Saudi Arabia and France to the UN, Abdulaziz Al-Wasel and Jerome Bonnafont, co-chaired a briefing for UN member and observer states at the UN headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The session “discussed preparations for the upcoming high-level international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian cause and the implementation of the two-state solution, which is scheduled to be held in June under the joint chairmanship of Saudi Arabia and France,” the SPA stated.

In his remarks, Al-Wasel stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is the “cornerstone for achieving security and stability in the region,” adding that the Kingdom’s support for the two-state solution is a “longstanding and unwavering position.”

Al-Wasel also announced the formation of several working groups to address key issues related to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. He called on member states to contribute their visions and proposals to support preparations for June’s conference.

Al-Wasel noted that the conference represents “a formal and comprehensive track to enhance international efforts aimed at reaching a just and lasting resolution.”

Most UN member states and observer delegations from regional blocs expressed full support for the efforts led by Saudi Arabia and France to organize the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution as the only internationally agreed-upon formula to resolve the conflict, stressing the need for tangible outcomes, including the recognition of a Palestinian state.

They also voiced their rejection of land annexation and the forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the importance of supporting the Palestinian government and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

“Participating countries praised the Kingdom’s leading role in supporting the Palestinian cause, its co-chairmanship of the conference, and its efforts to promote collective action and maintain the political and diplomatic momentum necessary for the conference’s success,” the SPA reported.


Riyadh to host second Human Capability Initiative Conference

Riyadh to host second Human Capability Initiative Conference
Updated 12 April 2025
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Riyadh to host second Human Capability Initiative Conference

Riyadh to host second Human Capability Initiative Conference
  • Event being held with support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: The second Human Capability Initiative Conference is set to launch on Sunday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is being held with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee.

Held under the theme “Beyond Preparing for the Future,“ the two-day global gathering will showcase the Kingdom’s commitment to investing in human capital as a cornerstone of development and a driving force for shaping a sustainable future, SPA added.

The conference will convene more than 300 speakers, including global leaders, policymakers and experts from diverse fields such as academia, the private sector and civil society.

More than 100 dialogue sessions will facilitate in-depth discussions on how to harness technology and innovation to elevate human potential.

The event will place a strong emphasis on creating lifelong learning environments and participants will also explore the importance of forging partnerships that empower people to deliver sustainable, future-focused solutions.


AlUla Honey event supports local beekeepers

AlUla Honey event supports local beekeepers
Updated 12 April 2025
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AlUla Honey event supports local beekeepers

AlUla Honey event supports local beekeepers
  • Visitors could sample AlUla’s renowned honey varieties and learn about their unique characteristics

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla hosted the first AlUla Honey event at Al-Manshiyah Farmers’ Market to highlight local honey and support regional beekeepers.

The event featured a range of honey products from local beekeepers, highlighting the commission’s commitment to strengthening agriculture, boosting local production and creating new market opportunities.

Visitors could sample AlUla’s renowned honey varieties and learn about their unique characteristics, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Live demonstrations, interactive activities and a booth offering beekeeping supplies were also part of the event, the SPA added.

AlUla is home to more than 3,000 beehives managed by 28 beekeepers, producing more than 12 tonnes of honey annually. Varieties include moringa, acacia, sidr, citrus, mountain and valley.


Saudi envoy to UK honored for maritime work

Saudi envoy to UK honored for maritime work
Updated 12 April 2025
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Saudi envoy to UK honored for maritime work

Saudi envoy to UK honored for maritime work

RIYADH: The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport awarded an honorary doctorate to Saudi Ambassador to the UK Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan.

The event took place at the International Maritime Organization’s headquarters in London, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The honor recognizes Prince Khalid’s significant contributions to advancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime initiatives and supporting the aspirations of Arab nations.

It also acknowledges his role in promoting maritime sustainability, contributing to the IMO’s goals, and leading the 33rd session of the IMO Assembly — an important milestone in Arab and international maritime progress.

Prince Khalid thanked the academy for the honor, expressing hope that it will encourage greater cooperation to empower Arab countries in the maritime sector and enhance their global presence.

He emphasized that growth in this vital sector depends on continued collaboration and knowledge exchange, supporting sustainable development and regional maritime integration.

The academy fosters leadership in the maritime field and supports human capacity development through academic programs and regional partnerships, the SPA reported.


Kingdom arrests 18,669 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 18,669 illegals in one week
Updated 12 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 18,669 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 18,669 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 18,669 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 11,813 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,366 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,490 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,497 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 27 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 59 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 17 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.