Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its global commitment to combating wildfires and advancing sustainable forest management during its active participation in the Country-Led Initiative on Forest Fire Preparedness and Innovative Technologies (CLI-FFPIT), hosted in Istanbul from October 20 to 22, 2025.
The Kingdom was represented by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), which joined delegates from various countries and international organizations under the auspices of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) Secretariat.
The Istanbul meetings focused on enhancing wildfire preparedness, developing policy frameworks, and integrating innovative technologies to tackle the growing challenge of forest fires amid global climate change. Participants also took part in thematic discussions and field visits showcasing best practices in fire response and ecosystem restoration.
The Saudi delegation held several bilateral meetings with international partners to discuss joint research, capacity building, and technology transfer opportunities. The Kingdom also explored pathways to localize advanced wildfire management systems and modern monitoring tools to strengthen national capabilities.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Mutlaq Abu Athnain, Deputy CEO of NCVC, expressed appreciation to Türkiye for hosting the event and commended the UNFF’s efforts to promote collaborative environmental action. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive initiatives to develop forests, rehabilitate degraded lands, and protect natural habitats — all integral components of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.
“Wildfire prevention and forest protection are essential pillars of our environmental sustainability agenda,” Dr. Abu Athnain said. “Through innovation, partnership, and knowledge exchange, Saudi Arabia aims to build a resilient future for its forests and ecosystems.”
NCVC continues to expand its programs for vegetation cover restoration, rangeland management, biodiversity enhancement, and wildfire risk mitigation, ensuring a greener, safer, and more sustainable environment across the Kingdom.
