The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve announced a 76.2% decrease in the frequency of dust storms within its boundaries during 2026, an indicator reflecting the positive impact of its efforts to protect the environment and restore vegetation cover, contributing to the reduction of environmental phenomena associated with land degradation.

The reserve explained that the decline is the result of implementing integrated environmental programs and initiatives focused on enhancing vegetation cover, improving environmental conditions, and reducing sand encroachment and sand drift.

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In addition to protecting soil from erosion, which supports ecosystem sustainability and enhances their resilience to natural factors, the reserve affirmed that vegetation development contributes to soil stabilization, reduced dust dispersion, and improved environmental quality, positively impacting biodiversity and quality of life, and enhancing the sustainability of natural resources within the reserve.

Adopting sustainable environmental practices

The announcement coincides with the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, which falls on July 12 of each year, emphasizing the importance of national efforts to mitigate the effects of dust storms by adopting sustainable environmental practices that contribute to land protection and conservation of natural resources, in line with the Kingdom's targets for vegetation development and environmental conservation.