MAKKAH – The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification reports an increase in vegetation by 600% from August 2023 to December 2023.
Remarkable news has been shared regarding the desertification details of the Makkah region. The news was issued by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification which stated the increase in vegetation by 600% from August to December 2023 signifying a positive transformation in the landscape.
The impact of this rainfall in the region of Makkah has offered a scientific perspective on growth. The greenery was captured through remote sensing data analysis.
It has been noted that some areas even received up to 200mm of rainfall in 2023 which was one of the factors behind this change.
In August 2023 the total area covered by the vegetation was 3529.4 square kilometers. This made up 2.3% of the region’s total expanse.
As the rainfall intensified the vegetation covering area was increased to 26256 square kilometers which is indeed impressive.
By December 2023, the vegetation cover accounted for 17.1% of the total area of the Makkah region, predominantly in the mountains and highlands parallel to the Red Sea coast.
These areas boast elevations ranging from 500 to 2,600 meters and consist of the governorates of Makkah, Taif, Al Laith, Al Jumum, Al Kamil, and Khulais.
The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification plays a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing such changes.
Utilizing advanced technologies like remote sensing and artificial intelligence, the center conducts detailed studies on vegetation cover areas, tracks tree-planting projects, evaluates land cover changes, measures rainfall volume, and assesses plant health.
These efforts contribute significantly to the objectives of tree-planting projects and the broader Saudi Green initiative.
Moreover, the center is actively involved in safeguarding the Kingdom’s vegetation cover sites. Through comprehensive studies on variables in green spaces, it aims to develop capabilities to protect against drought, ensuring the sustained growth of the vegetation in the Makkah region.
This positive development aligns with broader environmental goals, showcasing the impact of proactive measures in battling desertification and promoting ecological well-being.
