About Us

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A Word From Our President

Since the very beginning, we have been mesmerized by plants . There is an emotional bond that unites us with plants . Plants are so much a part of who we are as a species . They have provided us with every type of nourishment, sustenance, and luxury . Yet, we know so little about them . Though our existence without them is impossible, how is it that we have so little cultural and scientific appreciation for them as a society? This is exactly why I founded the Saudi Arabian Botanical Society ( SBS).

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Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to create a scientific and cultural society that seeks to preserve the local flora and enhance the ancient relationship between people and the botanical world.

Our Vision is to be the most qualified ambassador and point of reference for the discipline of botany in the MENA region.

Our Core Values

The following are the values SBS most closely relates to:

  1. Science: SBS is dedicated to disseminating information and participating in activities that are scientifically sound, peer-reviewed and that comply with measurable, tangible results
  2. Aesthetics: Adding flora to an environment enriches its aesthetics by adding a component of color, scent, and a certain emotion into its surrounding area. We are striving to fortify the beauty of Saudi Arabia by incorporating local flora
  3. Responsibly: We strive to empower organizations and individuals to take a hands-on approach to be apart of an eco-friendly and sustainable environment. We want to eliminate the dysfunctional, and defeatist attitude that many people have about recovering ecologies and habitats
  4. Community: We want to create a sense of community where experts, hobbyists, amateurs, institutions, and organizations feel connected and welcomed. We strive for an organization that gives people a sense of direction and purpose, most importantly a sense of belonging
  5. Transparency: Our main approach to establishing trust with our constituents, donors, and benefactors
Close up view of Huernia's flowers with blurry grey background

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Our Partners

American Public Garden Association
Botanic Gardens Conservation International
Convention on Biological Diversity
IPBES
iucn
UNenvironment
en_USEN
arAR en_USEN

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A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Since the very beginning, we have been mesmerized by plants . There is an emotional bond that unites us with plants . Plants are so much a part of who we are as a species . They have provided us with every type of nourishment, sustenance, and luxury . Yet, we know so little about them . Though our existence without them is impossible, how is it that we have so little cultural and scientific appreciation for them as a society? This is exactly why I founded the Saudi Arabian Botanical Society ( SBS) . SBS will act as a meeting point for passionate people of all walks of life and disciplines, including experts, hobbyists, and amateurs .

In 1546 , the Republic of Venice built the Orto Botanico , the world’s first known “learning garden”, in which scholars and students would study more than 1500 plant species . In the 18 th century, Botanical Societies started formally establishing themselves across Europe and North America . Although they have had a few hundred years as a head start , it is not too late to have our own home - grown, native, botanical society . With the help of our partners and members, we will create plant - based projects, archives, events, and publications, as well as represent the Kingdom at international botanical conferences . Saudi Arabia is often thought to be an empty desert, void of any native or endemic plant life . However, the most recent surveys have listed more than a whopping 2000 different plant species inhabiting the Kingdom.

Not only do we plant trees, but we also plant memories for next generations . My lifelong dream is to see every family having deep relationships with the botanical world like they do with their other family members and even their pets . We desperately need plant biodiversity for livable and sustainable communities . Surprisingly, myriad studies have proven that interaction with plants reduces psychological and physiological stress, as we feel more relaxed, calm, refreshed and stronger in a garden . Plus, some plants evoke positive emotion, suppress depression and act as a natural moderator of mood . This is an open invitation to make our homes, houses, buildings, streets, and communities greener . For this noble purpose, SBS will forge a strong link between hobbyists and amateurs with the wider research community to better protect wildlife and endangered species, for a more sustainable environment for future generations.

Munira Alhazani

Founder and President