Kingdom Strengthens Carbon Market Through Nature-Based Solutions and Global Partnerships
Under the patronage of the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman Alfadley, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) hosted a workshop titled “Carbon Credit for Nature-Based Solutions”. The event, announced in an NCVC press release, brought together experts and specialists to foster knowledge exchange, enhance collaboration, and drive the development of Saudi Arabia’s carbon market through nature-based solutions.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and supports the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. NCVC CEO Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader, in his opening remarks, reaffirmed the centre’s dedication to advancing nature-based solutions via strategic partnerships. These include collaborations with Singapore’s Carbon Capture Ltd., the International Carbon Registry (ICR), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Highlighting ongoing achievements, Dr. Al-Abdulkader noted that the NCVC has planted approximately 135 million trees and rehabilitated 289,000 hectares of degraded land. These efforts have significantly improved soil health, enhanced carbon sequestration, mitigated desertification, and strengthened ecosystem resilience to climate change while naturally reducing carbon emissions.
The workshop addressed the role of carbon markets in facilitating the transition to a sustainable economy, emphasising the impact of nature-based solutions in meeting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Middle East Green Initiative. Discussions explored the economic and environmental benefits of carbon markets, strategies for sustainable environmental projects, and the challenges and opportunities in expanding Saudi Arabia’s carbon market.
Furthermore, participants examined the integration of nature-based solutions with carbon markets to maximise environmental and economic value. Key topics included the role of government policies, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation in driving meaningful climate action.
Dr. Al-Abdulkader reiterated that the carbon credit programme serves as a crucial funding mechanism for the National Greening Programme, which supports the SGI’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030. The initiative is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Circular Carbon Economy framework, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to carbon reduction.
As the leading entity responsible for vegetation cover development, the NCVC plays a vital role in biodiversity preservation, forest rehabilitation, and rangeland management. The centre also monitors environmental violations, combats illegal logging, and safeguards natural resources. Through these efforts, the NCVC continues to advance its mission of fostering a thriving, resilient, and diverse ecosystem that promotes environmental sustainability and enhances the quality of life.
Source: SPA
