ABHA — As winter settles over the Asir region, its highlands and plains take on a rare intensity of color and life, revealing one of Saudi Arabia’s richest natural landscapes. Known for its exceptional plant diversity, Asir becomes especially striking during the cooler months, when wild plants and trees spread across mountains, valleys, and lowlands. **media[2654432,2654429]** In the highlands, stone fruit trees such as almonds, peaches, and plums flourish during winter, benefiting from cooler temperatures and seasonal moisture. Further west, the Tihama areas begin to show early signs of spring, with tropical trees such as mango entering their blooming phase. This seasonal overlap gives Asir a unique ecological rhythm, where different environments thrive at the same time. **media[2654430,2654428]** The region’s varied elevations, stretching from mountain peaks and deep valleys to coastal plains, support a wide range of native plant species. Among them are talh (acacia), dharm, tibaq, and arfj, alongside flowering wild plants that play a vital role in sustaining bees and supporting honey production, one of Asir’s most celebrated natural products. **media[2654435,2654427]** Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, environmental specialist Saeed Al-Suhaimi said this natural wealth is increasingly under pressure. He pointed to lower rainfall levels and declining fog periods, which are essential for sustaining plant life in the highlands, noting that these changes have had a visible impact on native species, particularly juniper trees.According to Al-Suhaimi, recurring droughts have placed added strain on vegetation cover, while reduced use of natural grazing areas, despite their availability, has affected livestock patterns and disrupted the region’s ecological balance. **media[2654426]****media[2654455]** In response, environmental protection and restoration efforts are gaining momentum. Projects now underway include the planting of thousands of native seedlings, pruning initiatives to address top dieback in juniper trees, and broader afforestation programs led by government entities such as the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development, with support from youth and community groups.Specialists also stress that organizing grazing practices is a critical step in protecting vegetation and reducing wildfire risks, particularly in mountainous areas. Involving livestock owners in sustainable rangeland management is seen as essential to ensuring long-term ecological stability. **media[2654434,2654433]** While Asir’s forests are often perceived as resilient and self-sustaining, experts caution that they require continuous protection and rehabilitation. Although current efforts remain in their early stages, they represent an important move toward preserving one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinctive environmental landscapes for future generations.
Keep Up to Date with our Weekly Newsletter
