RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is organizing the first National Afforestation Forum with the theme “Toward a Green Future.” The forum will be held in Riyadh on May 6 and aims to unify national efforts, align energies, and foster collaboration across various sectors, including public, private, and nonprofit. According to the Saudi Press Agency report, one of its key objectives is to support the Saudi Green Initiative’s ambitious target of planting 10 billion trees. The forum is designed to involve stakeholders from various sectors, including experts, environmental enthusiasts, and the general public, aiming to raise awareness of the National Afforestation Program. It aims to showcase successful models, encourage participation, highlight investment opportunities, and explore the latest developments in the sector. It also seeks to organize community engagement across all segments to achieve ambitious national environmental objectives. The forum explores a range of pivotal themes through interactive sessions aimed at supporting national efforts to promote vegetation cover and expand green areas. These sessions include an in-depth examination of the various benefits of the National Afforestation Program, such as environmental sustainability, economic growth, and investment opportunities. Additionally, there is an emphasis on harnessing nature-centric solutions for vegetation growth, along with discussions about current and future afforestation initiatives across various sectors within the Kingdom, the SPA reported. Moreover, the forum will address the complexities of nursery development, international afforestation initiatives, and the challenges confronting seed banks. It will also explore strategies to improve nursery standards and optimize plant quality to support a variety of projects.