Kepong: FRIM Incorporated (FRIM Inc) has taken a significant step towards supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious green initiative by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DMELL Global. This collaboration aims to supply trees for Saudi Arabia’s extensive reforestation efforts as part of their Vision 2030 environmental targets.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MoU signing ceremony was marked by the presence of representatives from DMELL Global and Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia, who visited the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) campus. The partnership is a pivotal move towards enhancing global environmental restoration and promoting sustainable forestry practices. Under this agreement, FRIM Inc, a subsidiary of FRIM, is set to supply up to eight million trees annually for Saudi Arabia’s reforestation projects. The initiative is backed by FRIM’s extensive scientific research and expertise in tropical forestry.
FRIM Director General Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to yield impactful results in forest restoration and sustainable green development. He stated, “We will begin by supplying pre-planting materials to DMELL Global, who will then coordinate the distribution to Arabian Peninsula Forests of Saudi Arabia as part of their ongoing reforestation initiatives.” Dr Ismail highlighted that the partnership extends beyond tree supply, encompassing technical consultancy, knowledge sharing, and joint environmental planning.
FRIM Inc Board Member Noor Azmi Mohd Said emphasized the collaboration’s role in establishing FRIM as a global leader in forest science. He noted that FRIM is equipped to provide comprehensive support, from consultancy to location guidance, contributing to the creation of resilient, biodiverse forests that align with environmental and socio-economic goals.
Additionally, Arabian Peninsula Forest Chief Strategy Officer Mohammed Sallam discussed the significance of the partnership in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets. These targets include planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating over 74 million hectares of land. Sallam highlighted the challenges posed by Saudi Arabia’s desert soil, which lacks water retention, underscoring the collaboration’s importance in addressing these challenges.
After the MoU signing, delegates were given a guided tour of FRIM’s state-of-the-art facilities, showcasing the institute’s conservation technologies and tropical forest expertise. The tour included visits to the FRIM Gallery, Tissue Culture Laboratory, and the popular FRIM Forest Skywalk, offering an immersive experience of FRIM’s legacy and innovations in environmental conservation.