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RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification announced on Wednesday it has cataloged more than 550 sites of perennial trees across º£½ÇÖ±²¥.

The achievement is part of efforts to safeguard this unique natural asset and preserve it as part of the Kingdom’s national identity and natural heritage.

Perennial trees are symbols of life and enduring resilience, said the center, capable of withstanding harsh climatic conditions and standing as a living testimony to the deep bond between people and land.

Protecting them is not just a duty; it is a long-term investment in the environment, public health and national identity.

Its impact extends to social, cultural and economic benefits, such as conserving natural and historical heritage, raising environmental awareness, promoting eco-tourism, supporting local economies and reducing costs associated with desertification and land degradation.

The center also works to develop, protect and monitor vegetation-cover sites across the country. It rehabilitates degraded areas, detects violations, combats illegal woodcutting and oversees the sustainable use of rangelands, forests and national parks, advancing sustainable development and contributing to Saudi Green Initiative objectives.

LONDON: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The two sides discussed cooperation between Riyadh and London as well as regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal was joined by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar and advisers to the ministry Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan and Mohammed Al-Yahya.