Neom, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion city of the future, has launched a regreening initiative to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs and grasses by 2030.
Described as ‘the land of the future’, Neom will be 33 times the size of New York City. It is being created as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil.
Neom plans to rehabilitate at least 1.5 million hectares of land in the regreening initiative, launched in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification.
“Protecting the natural landscape and ensuring the coexistence of human and natural habitats is integral to Neom’s vision,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, chief executive officer of Neom.
“By launching the [regreening initiative]… we are well underway to becoming a leading contributor to the conservation and preservation of one of the world’s outstanding natural environments.”
Neom is accelerating its efforts to repair the planet for current and future generations. It is creating a world-class protected area and conserving 95 percent of its region, according to a news release.
“The new initiative launched by Neom will have a great impact in supporting efforts aimed at protecting the environment, promoting nature and ensuring its sustainability, and directly contributing to the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative,” said Khaled Alabulqader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification.
Neom to rehabilitate 1.5 million hectares of land
Neom will be ready to welcome tourists and investors by 2024. It will be powered by renewable energy sources, and will be home to the world’s largest coral garden at Shushah Island.
Last year, Neom unveiled a zero-carbon city called The Line at Neom. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently announced Trojena, a new destination for mountain tourism within Neom.
Saudi Arabia is creating various attractions and giga-projects as part of Vision 2030. These include the kingdom’s first water park at Qiddiya, a multibillion-dollar entertainment destination in Riyadh.
Images: Neom
