--------------------------

The Center is concerned with studies pertaining to afforestation in the Kingdom as a whole, and especially in the Central Region. Several studies have been carried out on different varieties of plants and their use as forest cover, and to preserve the environment.

The primary activities of the Forests and Afforestation Unit include the following:

• Studying the trees and shrubs which have been imported from world desert habitats worldwide, which resemble the deserts of the Kingdom, such as those in Australia, the United States, and elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula itself. The extents to which they may be acclimatized in the local environmental conditions, as well as their botanical and environmental characteristics are studied by cultivating them at the Center’s research station (approximately 40 hectare) in the region of al-Muzahimiyya.

• Support of the seed bank in the research station through the collection of seeds, seedlings, shrubs, and wild local and imported plants, in order to preserve ecological diversity of wild plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• The study of afforestation Kingdom-wide, and particularly in the Central Region; numerous studies have been carried out on different varieties of plants, and their use in protecting the environment.

• Production and distribution of seedlings and bushes that have proved to be successful and adaptable to the local environment. The distribution of seedlings reaches municipalities and other concerned divisions so that supplied seedlings are planted in varied locations assigned for growing trees.

• Conducting, at the Kingdom level, comprehensive afforestation- related studies particularly in the central region. Numerous research studies have been carried out on different varieties of plants, and their use in protecting the environment.

• Participation in the annual "Arbor Week" held in the Kingdom, through the distribution of large numbers of trees, and collaboration in the preparation and distribution of bulletins and booklets on trees and afforestation. The Center also gives lectures and participation in workshops on afforestation and on Arbor Week.

• Cooperation with national scientific organizations, on various levels, including those affiliated with King Saud University, the government ministries, and general organizations, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the National Commission for Wildlife Protection and Conservation, Ministry of Rural Affairs and Municipalities, and – on the regional level–the Arab Gulf University.

• Publication of a number of books and scientific compilations regarding trees and afforestation.


1- The Center , principally, has participated in the project supported by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, which designed to identify the plants that are appropriate, from both the health and environmental aspects, for use in cities and other population center across the Kingdom.


The Forests and Afforestation Unit has carried out a number of studies on the introduction of varieties of trees, and the extent of their suitability and adaptability in particular environments such as the following studies:

1- Varieties of Prosopis spp.
2- The propagation of Simmondsia chileusis shrubs and the degree of their suitability in the Central Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3- The root systems of selected wild plants. e.g., Artemisia monosperma, Rhazya stricta, Haloxylon salicornicum, Panicum turgidum, Zygophyllum album, and Stipagrostis plumosa.
4- Propagation of varieties of the date palm with particular emphasis on the plants’ morphology and root depth. e.g., Sukari, Barhi, Rzaizi, Nabut Sultan.
5- Acacia spp. trees imported from Australia.
6- Eucalyptus spp. which are suitable for arid climates.
7- Juniperus procera trees in Saudi Arabia.
8- The cultivation of varieties of Atriplex spp. and their suitability in the conditions prevalent in the Kingdom.
9- The flora native to the Riyadh Region.
10- Plant and tree- irrigation methods conducted in the research station and in the botanical garden.