King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Unveils Results of ‘Soil Seed Bank’ Project to Enhance Vegetation Sustainability

   Riyadh, July 30, 2025, SPA -- The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has revealed the results of its pioneering scientific project, the “Soil Seed Bank,” implemented within the reserve in collaboration with King Saud University. The initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of vegetation and preserve natural resources for current and future generations, in line with the strategic goals of royal reserves, the Saudi Green Initiative, and Saudi Vision 2030.
   During the study period, the project followed a scientific methodology that included analyzing vegetation in various plots according to vegetation type, collecting soil samples from selected sites, and conducting germination experiments in a greenhouse to identify dormant species and assess their density and diversity.
   The study of visible vegetation revealed notable biodiversity, with 168 plant species documented, belonging to 35 botanical families, based on field surveys conducted at 70 locations within the reserve. The results showed that annual plants accounted for 65.48%, while perennial plants made up 34.52%, reflecting the vitality of natural regeneration within the reserve’s ecosystem.
   The project also led to the development of a comprehensive plant database, enhancing scientific understanding of biodiversity and contributing to the creation of accurate maps of environmental response areas.
   The study recommended directing environmental rehabilitation efforts toward sites that exhibited high densities of active seeds due to their natural ability to regenerate. The project also stressed the importance of adopting the seed bank as a scientific and effective tool in combating environmental degradation and ensuring the sustainability of vegetation, based on rigorous research methodologies and precise environmental standards.
   -- SPA