ISTANBUL, Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (WNP): The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) of Saudi Arabia participated in the Country-Led Initiative on Forest Fire Preparedness and Innovative Technologies (CLI-FFPIT) held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from October 20 to 22, 2025. The initiative was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat.

The two-year global initiative seeks to enhance the exchange of expertise and knowledge, develop effective wildfire management policies, promote sustainable forest management practices, and encourage the adoption of modern technologies to confront the growing challenges of climate change.

The Istanbul forum featured a high-level dialogue, thematic sessions, and a field visit that showcased international best practices and hands-on applications in forest protection and wildfire management.

Representing Saudi Arabia, the NCVC delegation participated in the high-level opening session and held bilateral meetings with participating countries and international organizations to bolster partnerships and exchange scientific and technical expertise. The delegation also reviewed the latest technologies in wildfire response and explored opportunities to adapt and localize them for use in Saudi Arabia.

Deputy CEO of NCVC, Dr. Mutlaq Abu Athnain, expressed gratitude to the Republic of Türkiye for hosting the event and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening global collaboration in wildfire prevention and environmental protection. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to restore and protect forests, rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, and safeguard natural habitats from fires — underscoring the need for regional and international cooperation to ensure environmental sustainability.

Dr. Abu Athnain emphasized that NCVC’s participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing both national and international initiatives aimed at protecting forests and enhancing vegetation sustainability. These efforts align closely with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity restoration, and the development of a sustainable environment.

NCVC continues to implement a wide range of national programs and projects to promote thriving, sustainable vegetation across the Kingdom. These include the rehabilitation of degraded areas, restoration of biodiversity, protection of rangelands and national parks, detection of illegal activities such as unauthorized woodcutting, and the development of sustainable land management practices — all contributing to the vision of a greener, more sustainable Saudi Arabia.