Riyadh, December 8, 2024 — The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has been honored with the Volunteer Work Award for its exemplary contributions toward promoting community involvement in creating a more sustainable and environmentally resilient future. The prestigious award was presented during a special ceremony held on the sidelines of the COP16 conference, under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley and Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi, in celebration of Saudi Volunteer Day, which coincides with the global observance of International Volunteer Day on December 5.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Kingdom, as it was also revealed that Saudi Arabia has successfully reached the goal of one million volunteers—an achievement realized six years ahead of schedule. This accomplishment underscores the growing commitment of the Saudi people toward volunteerism and community engagement, a key aspect of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative.
NCVC's tireless efforts in the restoration of vegetation cover and the fight against desertification have been central to fostering a sense of civic responsibility among Saudi citizens. The Center has pioneered a wide array of volunteer-driven initiatives, such as seed dispersal programs, environmental cleanups, and efforts to rehabilitate degraded rangelands and national parks. Through these initiatives, NCVC has not only contributed to the restoration of Saudi Arabia's landscapes but has also engaged local communities and farmers in adopting modern, sustainable land management practices that promote environmental conservation for future generations.
The recognition of NCVC highlights the importance of collective action in tackling environmental challenges and underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to achieving sustainability goals in line with its Vision 2030 objectives. Through the continued support of volunteerism and community-driven environmental projects, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable, green future.