His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region, today launched the third edition of the 2026 National Afforestation Season at Mashar National Park. The season, held under the slogan “A generation planting for a thriving nation”, is organized by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.

Her Highness Princess Lulwa bint Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz attended the event, along with Deputy Governor Ali bin Salem Al Amer and a number of officials. On arrival, the governor was received by Dr. Abdullah Al-Breiki, director general of the center’s Hail branch, and branch staff, who briefed him on the plant species propagated at the branch and on efforts to expand and sustain vegetation cover.

Prince Abdulaziz planted the first seedling of an Arn tree propagated at the branch and joined in scattering rangeland seeds alongside government officials, students and scouts. The activity is part of efforts to restore vegetation, improve biodiversity and rehabilitate targeted sites in an environmentally sustainable way.

The governor stressed the importance of national initiatives that develop vegetation cover and raise environmental awareness, and commended the center and its staff for carrying out afforestation programs in the region.

Dr. Al-Breiki thanked the governor for his patronage and support of environmental initiatives, affirming that the branch will continue its work to develop vegetation cover and combat desertification in Hail.