National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), based in Riyadh, is a governmental center responsible for overseeing the sustainable management and investment of pasturelands, forests, and national parks. It preserves plant genetic resources and vegetation across various environments outside the preserved areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to combat desertification.

NCVC, established by a decision of the Council of Ministers in 2019, enjoys a legal personality and is administratively and financially independent. It is organizationally linked to the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.

NCVC's board of directors is chaired by the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. It comprises several members, including a representative from the Ministry of Environment who also acts as the deputy chairman, a representative from the Ministry of Interior, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism, and a representative from relevant accredited Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with expertise in NCVC's field of work. Additionally, the board includes three specialists and experts who specialize in the scope of work undertaken by NCVC.

NCVC has a chief executive officer whose appointment and removal from the role are determined by a decision from the board of directors. The CEO is responsible for managing NCVC affairs, with his duties aligned with the regulations and the board's directives.
The board's members are appointed by a decision of the Council of Ministers after being nominated by the Minister, Chairman of the board.

The NCVC establishes specialized work plans and oversees their execution. It also proposes environmental standards, regulations, controls, and prerequisites, which are then presented to the ministry for approval. NCVC governs investments in vegetation-rich zones, aiming to augment vegetation coverage while promoting investments and funding within its field of expertise. Furthermore, it conducts training programs to enhance the performance of administrative and technical staff, and supervises the organization of environmental guidance activities pertinent to NCVC's work.

NCVC aims to realize the strategic objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. It contributes to improving the quality of life by addressing and rejuvenating environmentally polluted regions. Furthermore, it is committed to developing environmental safeguards against natural hazards and bolstering measures to combat destructive insects and pests affecting vegetation. NCVC is dedicated to enhancing national capabilities to ensure protection, optimize the Kingdom's vital resources, and ensure their sustainable utilization

NCVC comprises four departments. The Public Forest Management and Afforestation Department is dedicated to overseeing the management, protection, maintenance, development, and sustainability of the Kingdom's natural and developed forest system. The General Directorate for Pasture Development focuses on the supervision, management, and enhancement of pasture lands in the Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on fulfilling the implementation requirements of the Natural Pasture Strategy throughout the Kingdom. The Public Administration of National Parks is tasked with the management, protection, maintenance, development, and sustainability of the Kingdom's natural and developed forest system. Additionally, the Plant Diversity and Desertification Combating Department is responsible for the supervision, management, and improvement of pasture lands in the Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on fulfilling the implementation requirements of the Natural Pasture Strategy throughout the Kingdom.