Organized by King Khalid University in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and in partnership with Monash University in Australia the "Forum on Ways to Prevent Forest Fires" will commence tomorrow in Riyadh. The event will be attended by several government entities, private companies, universities, and consultancy firms related to the field of vegetation cover management and development in the Kingdom.

Professor Hamid bin Majdoua Al-Qarni, University Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at King Khalid University, explained that the forum aims to present the key outcomes of the project on providing consultancy services for studying ways to prevent forest fires in the Kingdom. The forum will also introduce an effective methodology for fire management based on global expertise, in collaboration with national entities, to enhance sustainable environmental development and contribute to the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aligns with Vision 2030.

Al-Qarni added that the university is pleased to organize such forums in collaboration with both local and international partners to reduce forest fires, which pose a threat to sustainable development due to their impact on human health, climate, pollution, and the economy. He noted that these initiatives help to strengthen cooperation, exchange data and scientific expertise, and develop capacity and training in fire management and related research.

Dr. Rahma Nasser Al-Qathanin, Director of the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Center for Environmental Research and Natural Resources Sustainability, stated that the forum is organized to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in discussions about the results of the fire management project with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. The forum will also explore ways to prevent forest fires and address their effects in the most fire-prone and affected forests in the Kingdom. The goal is to achieve the project's outcomes through a joint fire management program that includes forest fire prevention plans, risk assessment, community awareness programs, a volunteer fire management program, comprehensive training, initial fire response planning, and the rehabilitation of fire-damaged sites. This approach is based on international principles and practices for integrated fire management developed by the project team.

It is worth noting that King Khalid University's 2030 strategy, aligned with the Asir Region Development Strategy, has made the environment one of its key focus areas.