Saudi Arabia and Ghana launch major initiatives to restore global forest landscapes

The recent Forum on Forests 2025 (UNFF20) highlighted significant commitments from various nations to enhance global forest conservation efforts, with a particular focus on dry land forests and community involvement.

During the meeting, representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasized their dedication to environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021. This ambitious project aims to plant 10 billion trees and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land. Since its inception, over 140 million trees have already been planted, showcasing the kingdom's proactive approach to combating environmental challenges. The Saudi government also announced the Middle East Green Initiative, which targets the planting of 50 billion trees across the region, further underscoring their commitment to restoring degraded landscapes.

Saudi Arabia's efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate forest conservation into national policies, enhance sustainable management practices, and empower local communities. The kingdom called on the forum to intensify global efforts to preserve forests, particularly in dry land areas, and to foster regional cooperation and partnerships.

Ghana also shared its progress in forest restoration, reporting the establishment of 82,000 hectares of forest plantations and the integration of native tree species into agricultural landscapes. The country’s Tree for Life Restoration Initiative aims to plant 30 million trees annually, engaging various stakeholders, including local communities and the private sector, to restore degraded forests and riverine landscapes. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.

The discussions at UNFF20 reflect a growing recognition of the vital role forests play in environmental health and community well-being. As nations commit to ambitious restoration goals, the focus remains on collaborative efforts to ensure the sustainability of these essential natural resources for future generations.