Policy on sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of land

Contents

1. Purpose of the Policy

2. Scope of the Policy

3. Legal Framework and Previous Efforts

4. Sustainable Use, Conservation, and Restoration

5. Policy Monitoring and Review

6. Implementation Examples of the Policy at Qassim University

1. Purpose of the Policy

1.1. Qassim University recognizes the vital importance of protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing terrestrial ecosystems associated with its desert environment, particularly drylands and dune terrain around its campuses.

1.2. Qassim University's policy on sustainable use, conservation, and restoration of land (hereinafter: Policy) supports the University's commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 environmental goals and UN SDG 15 by promoting the conservation of arid ecosystems, combating desertification, and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss in desert ecosystems.

1.3. Through this Policy, Qassim University aims to embed principles of sustainable land use and ecological stewardship into campus management, academic research, and community engagement, respecting Islamic values and conforming to Saudi environmental legislation.

2. Scope of the Policy

2.1. The Policy covers all university-owned or managed land assets, focusing on arid and dryland ecosystems, including desert landscapes, natural reserves, and dune terrain under Qassim University's jurisdiction.

2.2. The Policy applies to land use planning, ecosystem conservation, restoration efforts, research initiatives, education, and community outreach related to sustainable land management.

3. Legal Framework and Previous Efforts

3.1. This Policy aligns with Saudi Arabian environmental laws, including the General Environmental Law (Royal Decree No. M/34, 2001), the new Environmental Law (Royal Decree No. M/165, 2020), Saudi National Environment Strategy, initiatives of the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, Green Qassim Land Initiative, and Saudi Green Initiative, aimed at improving environmental governance, combating desertification, conserving native vegetation, and addressing climate change in line with Vision 2030.

3.2. Qassim University's Sustainable Development Strategy (2020-2025) and SDG15 progress reports document ongoing efforts such as afforestation and reforestation projects utilizing native desert trees, biodiversity monitoring, and climate change research in arid regions (QU SDG15 Report).

3.3. The Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Centre for Native Plant Conservation, inaugurated in the Qassim region, exemplifies partnerships supporting research, native plant propagation, and desertification control aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative goals.

3.4. The Policy is guided by international best practices for sustainable management and restoration of terrestrial dryland ecosystems.

4. Sustainable Use, Conservation, and Restoration

4.1. Land Use Planning and Dryland Management

• Qassim University develops and implements sustainable land use plans that prioritize the prevention of land degradation and desertification in arid environments. The institution employs soil conservation, water harvesting, and erosion control techniques adapted specifically to desert ecosystems.

4.2. Afforestation and Native Vegetation Restoration

• The University expands efforts to plant indigenous drought-resistant species such as Acacia to restore habitat connectivity and mitigate desertification impacts. University partnerships with national and local environmental authorities and initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative are leveraged to scale up restoration activities.

4.3. Biodiversity Protection in Desert Ecosystems

• The University designates and maintains protected zones to conserve native desert flora and fauna, including endangered and endemic species. Ongoing monitoring and research are used by Qassim University to inform adaptive land management practices.

4.4. Research, Education, and Innovation

• The University supports multidisciplinary research that addresses challenges unique to desert land conservation, including climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture in arid zones. 
• Academic curricula, public awareness campaigns, and knowledge exchange programs incorporate sustainable land use themes, reflecting Islamic environmental stewardship values promoted by the University within both campus and local communities.

4.5. Community Engagement and Awareness

• The University engages students, staff, and local communities in restoration and conservation activities through volunteer programs and educational initiatives.
• Awareness is actively promoted by the University regarding desert ecosystem fragility and sustainable management aligned with Saudi cultural and religious principles to ensure environmental guardianship.

5. Policy Monitoring and Review

5.1. Qassim University's Center for Sustainable Development will conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of land conservation and restoration projects using indicators specific to desert ecosystem health, such as vegetation cover and soil quality.

5.2. This Policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if necessitated by environmental or regulatory developments. Feedback from stakeholders and scientific research outcomes will inform updates.

6. Implementation Examples of the Policy at Qassim University

6.1. In 2025, Qassim University launched the Qassim Green Land The initiative planting 6,000 trees inside the university city and 3,000 outside, irrigated with recycled water, as part of efforts to combat desertification and restore native vegetation (Journal of Sustainability Perspectives 5(1), 2025, 121-137, https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/jsp/article/download/25251/pdf ).

6.2.  Afforestation programs utilizing native drought-resistant species such as Acacia have resulted in over 7.5 million trees planted in the Qassim region under the Green Qassim Land Initiative, with university participation in research and awareness campaigns (Arab News 04.08.2025, https://arab.news/6zv5r).

6.3. Qassim University actively collaborates with the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Centre for Native Plant Conservation, focusing on propagation of indigenous desert plants and combating desertification.

6.4. Sustainability efforts include water conservation practices supporting afforestation through use of treated wastewater for irrigation, reducing fresh water usage on campus (Journal of Sustainability Perspectives 5(1), 2025, 121-137, https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/jsp/article/download/25251/pdf ).

6.5. The Green Courses Projectlaunched by Qassim University in 2021, integrates ecological literacy and education on sustainable practices into the curriculum, enhancing community engagement on sustainability topics. The program states its goal as "confirming the commitment of Qassim University to its mission, which makes sustainability a cornerstone in its education programs, and striving for the university to achieve national leadership in the field of integrating sustainability concepts into education programs, making it ready to enter the club of distinguished international universities in the field of sustainability education" (Education for SDGs: specific courses on sustainability, p. 1, https://www.qu.edu.sa/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/17.4.2.pdf).