Amman, Feb. 5 (Petra) -- A delegation from the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) concluded Thursday a visit to the National Center for Research and Development (NCRD) to review its experience in rangeland rehabilitation, water harvesting projects, hydroponic farming, and community engagement in sustainable development efforts.

The visit included a field tour in the northeastern Badia, where the delegation observed the center’s applied programs at the Safawi Field Research Station and the Educational Center for Soilless Agriculture and Innovation.

The delegation also reviewed results at the Tel Hassan Renewable Energy Station and the water harvesting project in Marab Hassan, in addition to several water harvesting pits in al-Buqayawiyya area, as well as water harvesting and irrigation management initiatives in Madaba and Karak governorates.

President of the NCRD Mohammed Wedyan emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Saudi center, noting the need for joint efforts to serve communities, particularly residents of desert areas across the Arabian Peninsula, who share common environmental, social, and economic characteristics.

Abdullah AlZahrani, Director of the Rangeland Department at the NCVC, pointed to the Jordanian center’s experience in engaging local communities and turning land into sustainable livelihoods for Badia families, stressing the importance of adopting and expanding the approach.

The visit concluded with discussions on preparing a memorandum of understanding between the two centers to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in vegetation development, desertification control, and sustainable development.

//Petra// NQ