RIYADH: Sharaan Nature Reserve in AlUla has undergone a significant transformation with the planting of 500,000 trees and shrubs as part of efforts to restore native ecosystems.

Led by the Royal Commission for AlUla, the project supports the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees nationwide.

The initiative engaged AlUla residents, students and the commission鈥檚 employees in November to achieve the milestone, according to a press release.

The reforestation project used seeds sourced locally and cultivated at the commission鈥檚 native plant nursery, prioritizing species that enhance soil health, water retention and nutrient availability while creating a sustainable food source for herbivores introduced through the commission鈥檚 rewilding program.

To date, the rewilding efforts have released more than 1,000 native animals into four protected reserves in AlUla. The project is also part of a broader ecological rehabilitation pilot in partnership with the Saudi Green Initiative, testing restoration techniques for arid regions.

Stephen Browne, the commission鈥檚 vice president for wildlife and natural heritage, said that the commission is restoring nature鈥檚 balance to safeguard AlUla鈥檚 natural and cultural heritage.

鈥淧lanting 500,000 trees and shrubs is a significant step toward achieving the Kingdom鈥檚 climate goals,鈥� he added.

鈥淭he regeneration of AlUla鈥檚 natural habitats 鈥� its valleys, mountains, oases and its flora and fauna 鈥� is one of the main ambitions of the commission, alongside involving, uplifting and upskilling our community,鈥� Browne said.