The United Nations has commended Saudi Arabia for restoring 1 million hectares of degraded land, marking a major national environmental milestone aligned with global sustainability goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The organization said the achievement reflects a coordinated approach and a strong commitment to delivering measurable environmental outcomes. It also demonstrates that large-scale land restoration is possible even in challenging environments.

Yasmine Fouad, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, highlighted the Kingdom’s role in advancing international environmental efforts. She pointed to initiatives such as the Middle East Green Initiative and the Global Land Initiative, as well as Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global environmental forums.

Fouad said the Kingdom has helped raise global ambition and strengthen collective action. She noted that land restoration delivers not only environmental benefits but also economic and social gains, including improved food security, job creation, support for local economies, and better living conditions in affected communities.

She added that such efforts also address broader global challenges, including climate change, instability in vulnerable regions, and displacement linked to land degradation.

Describing the restoration of 1 million hectares as a strong signal, Fouad said the milestone comes amid increasing land degradation and intensifying drought worldwide.

She emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society, noting that multilateral cooperation remains key to achieving large-scale environmental progress.

Fouad also said Saudi Arabia has developed a model for ecosystem restoration through nature-based solutions, innovation, and policy frameworks aligned with implementation.

These efforts form part of the Saudi Green Initiative and are supported by scientific methodologies for measurement and verification. They aim to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable resource management.

Fouad concluded that while the milestone represents meaningful progress, continued commitment, faster action, and broader partnerships will be needed to sustain momentum. She added that land restoration is a long-term investment in economic stability, environmental resilience, and sustainable development.