Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) organized a workshop in Riyadh on Sunday titled “Global Drought Management Ecosystem,” as part of the broader “Enhancing Drought Preparedness and Mitigation” initiative to assess Saudi Arabia’s vulnerability to severe droughts and implement measures to reduce their impact.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the workshop focused on global approaches to drought management, highlighting the transition from crisis management to proactive risk management, with an emphasis on assessing drought risks, understanding their economic, environmental, and social effects, and applying lessons from global case studies to local challenges.

The workshop sessions covered topics such as comparing crisis management and risk management approaches to addressing drought, the objectives of the global drought management program, the 10-step process for developing national drought policies as outlined in the global drought management guide, short- and long-term solutions to mitigate drought impacts, and international case studies highlighting best practices in drought management.

This initiative reflects NCVC’s commitment to addressing drought and reducing its environmental and societal impact. It also aims to transfer knowledge and skills from the Kingdom’s drought vulnerability assessment project, equipping stakeholders with the tools to implement effective mitigation measures.

The NCVC continues its mission to restore and protect vegetation cover across Saudi Arabia. Its efforts include managing rangelands, forests, and national parks, combating logging, and promoting sustainable land use. These initiatives contribute to achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and advancing sustainable environmental and economic development.