The Story of Al Baydha: A Regenerative Agriculture in the Saudi Desert. قصة مشروع البيضاء

The final update from Al Baydha Project Co-founder Neal Spackman, 9 years in. How desertification resulted from the loss of an indigenous land management system, and how the land has changed since all inputs to the project were ceased in 2016. Neal moved on from Al Baydha in 2018 and can now be contacted at regenerativeresources.co
The species that worked the best for us were Ziziphus Spinachristi, Moringa Peregrina, commiphora gileadensis, prosopis spp (though this one we likely won't continue planting in the future), and the local acacias.
Music by Faisal Alawi, and by Olafur Arnalds (performed by Voces 8).
معلومات عن نتائج مشروع البيضاء و الزراعة المستدامة التي اسست في جبال ٥٠ كيلومتر جنوب مكه المكرمة
موسيقة: فيصل علوي و الفور ارنالدز

[@ameenmasri9923]

I've had the privilege to visit Al-Baidha project and meet with Neal back in 2016. This will inspire generations to come. Thanks for sharing.

[@leelindsay5618]

Are other people copying these methods? Just the water catchment would be a start to growing more plants.

[@davidnewland2556]

You mean we can be friends? Andhelp eachother outiwinde4 why not plant date palm's

[@davidnewland2556]

To think what a few hardy cotton woods might do

[@90skid97]

Ameen what do you think stops the Saudi government/rulers to not invest in this ecological restoration? I assume it would not be a big cost for them in the larger scheme of things, but the benefits endless really

[@sureshmathur7716]

Y

[@RobertLBarnard]

Profound. "We are not destructive by nature, but by habit." This rings true. The optimism and self expectation of this statement if far more empowering and motivating than those where self-hatred and guilt are pushed.

[@Rinkyu]

Oh yes, I’m so glad I found this video 😭❤️

[@pennypiper7382]

This is so inspiring. It shows the power of one who believes with all his heart. An example to us all.

[@johncaron7573]

I'm a regenerative farmer in northern Ontario and I'm so proud and humbled by your accomplishments in such a harsh climate. This must be how it was generations ago.

[@TESLblog]

This work deserves a Nobel prize. It is truly inspiring, groundbreaking and something many generations of humans will need to look at it in the future, unfortunately

[@lewdards1127]

couldnt agree more

[@rockymountainmt2378]

As a massive fan of permaculture and someone who's dedicated my current situation to restoring native bee populations and wild species. This made me cry into my coffee. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@MrGigi-dz9cv]

Bees would help that area regenerate. I would love to be a beekeper în the area.

[@velvetindigonight]

Bought tears to mey eyes too. Outstanding work. What we can do when we work with nature and her systems and not against her? Truly Beautiful. Enjoy.

[@auggied6760]

You are part of the solution. Hats off to you!

[@elitesflowers-floristshop.3616]

RMMC Calgary I had the same reaction like you... I started crying when I saw the change. Thanks for this inspiring video.

[@mo59602]

I had the same response. Thank you for this work and this video.

[@jtfritchie]

Since I moved to the UAE, I’ve been periodically checking up on this project. It is a remarkable achievement that you’ve accomplished here. I am thrilled and stunned by your achievements.

[@dislike__button]

Not to be a downer, but I'm looking at 2020 sat images of this place: goo.gl/maps/R9sf1Yno7WwR6Wkv7 and don't see it being much different from the surrounding areas. Maybe I don't understand something?

[@frannelk]

@@dislike__button Interesting

[@albaydha702]

@@dislike__button The image you're linking to is from summertime (looking at it in June 2020 for later readers)--we're still subject to wet/dry seasonality. The trees will go dormant in the summer much like deciduous trees go dormant in wintertime in north. The difference between us and the surrounding areas is: when there is rain, we get a higher variety of grasses, a higher density of grasses, and the grass sticks around for longer. Even when we go years without rain, our trees will produce goods according to their season, whereas other areas don't have that system in place. Also, we're putting way more water in the ground from those floods than our neighbors are, because our runoff coefficient has gone down. It's not perfect, but as a prototype it shows the way forward for restoring the region to previous (or higher) levels of fertility and production.

[@dislike__button]

@@albaydha702 okay cool, thanks for the answer.

[@brianevolved2849]

@@albaydha702 Well done! Can you give an idea of cost for earth works and trees? could you also do a panorama next time it rains Great project

[@CFinch360]

"We are not destructive by nature but by habit" Well said, what wisdom, what inspiration.

[@dudetrustme.6667]

I came here to write this comment

[@infiniteadam7352]

I wrote that one down in my memo pad...

[@AsmaSohailMRTH]

Having lived in Saudi Arabia near Mecca and knowing it’s harsh climate, the achievement is nothing less than a miracle. I would love to the learnings of this project replicated across all other wadis in the region. It will take the same dedication as shown in the project l.

[@flip0345]

Hello, I am sorry you live with a tyrannical govt, hopefully it changes someday

[@infiniteadam7352]

Go back and do it!

[@jamalsinjab5137]

@@flip0345 that’s because you the west dictate on the ( so called tyrannical government where they should spend their money ( which are the bars and western women and fancy cars ) you fool

[@charleswalters5284]

​@@flip0345i bet your government helped set it up

[@user-tk7yy6jl4p]

​@@flip0345We all live under the same gvmnt. The differences are just in name and appearance, not in nature.

[@saaraafaard]

"We do not have to settle for being less bad for the earth. We can actually be good for the earth. We are not destructive by nature, but by habit. And our potential for destruction is mirrored by our potential for regeneration."

[@RegeNeal]

In my decade leading Al Baydha, I think that is the most important thing I learned from this project, and that I hope other people can take away from it. We are a keystone species, and we need to act like one.

[@marlan5470]

That's a beautiful quote. Lovely. :)

[@Sangamitra2012]

Absolutely, agree!!! Thank you, Sara!!

[@Sangamitra2012]

Yes, agree with you. It’s late but not too late for us to do right as a keystone specie.

[@aviansoul]

What you and that community of people accomplished is wonderfully amazing! High fives, hugs and copious pats on the back for you all! Inspiring...

[@iHeartFerenc]

Those terraces with rock walls are incredible and beautiful

[@noguruespanol]

I had mentioned earlier the Yemenis taught the Saudis,

[@kristiankho]

What I learned - putting rocks in the right place will literally turn a rocky dessert green. Humanity can reverse the damage its done to the environment just as easily if they had the will.

[@chris432t6]

Absolutely. Thank you.

[@ianchandley]

ALL of our environmental problems can be solved with “will”….

[@ReelCoast79]

My conclusions are “the powers that be” do not want to heal the land. It’s just as easy as this to fix erosion and water problems. Every state could implement these K. I. S. S. solutions 💯

[@subtropicalpermaculture]

It drives me crazy that it's Easier to be eco friendly than to destroy the planet. It's easier to not mow your lawn . Easier to use a clothes line to dry clothes than work to mine the material for a clothes dryer , build the factory to build it , power the factory , hire the people to build it , build the roads to transport it , build a store to house it , go buy it , transport it to your home , pay for power to run and to maintain it..clothes line is Easier. These techs aren't making things easier . They're just trash . They're not progress . They're literally just selling us worthless trash that its easier to live without.

[@aaaaaa2206]

@@ReelCoast79 That's why individuals should start permaculture projects on their own, without relying or caring about what the powers that be want.

[@urbanstreetforest5322]

Thank you very much for this beautiful video. We are working in Spain, less desertified but exact same principles for restoration! Greetings from Al-Andalus (الأندلس)

[@marcogabriel308]

This is fantastic, I hope the Saudi government takes note and makes this a pilot project and not a forgotten experiment. We can all learn from this

[@zubaidasmith4551]

The Saudi government only does what they are told by their master.

[@thebambugarden4585]

If you like this project, check out the restoration of the Chinese desert... kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3XKdYqYhtmfgas TRULY inspirational!

[@zubaidasmith4551]

@robert howard I know that many of us have been conditioned in our lives to believe that the government is helping and each passing reign is better and more liberal. But the fact is, from a Muslim, looking at what the "rulers" of the so called predominately Muslim countries do is nothing but a glorified version of the Western ideology. Which is not Islam. Just taking for instance this project in Saudi. I look at the cities paved in luxury, the sky scrapers. The gold, the oil, the abundant resources. The "hired" help. I look at how the "hired help", actually slaves, are being treated. I look at how this village among others that we do not know about have suffered under this for years , decades and continue to suffer. This is NOT Islam! My Prophet (saw) would never sleep in a golden bed or drive in a limo if he knew there were people who were struggling to survive. And the rightly guided Khalif after him lived by the same principles. Alhamdullilah Umar (ra) upon hearing a complaint from one of his people about how they had no meat to eat, gave up meat until he knew all of his people under his rule were being fed equally. Alhamdullilah Now that dear Robert is a servant of Allah and a leader. He did not lead by empty words and platitudes, but by example. Alhamdullilah These governments are following the tactics of the disbeliever oppressors in the West. Since the time of Jesus (as) and before, the kings took from their subjects and then gave them crumbs to live on while they lived in luxury. Now, let's think about this Robert. IF the progressive Saud government was so vested in this project don't you think they would of taken their own laborers and machines from their big cities and made this project on their own to give their subjects who have been oppressed for so long some ease? That would be truly noble of them don't you think? Something to make the rest of the Muslim Ummah and world to aspire to, just as the Prophet (saw) and the 4 Khalifs after him(saw) .But the fact is, they made those who have been oppressed for so long "work" for this project themselves with minimal resources. And they chose to be like the "kings" around them and expect the world to give them kudos for their "little steps" Which, sadly to say, they do because they are so use to getting the crumbs from their masters.And again, that is NOT Islam! And don't you think Robert that it is time to grow up and stop taking baby steps? Walk like a man, walk like the Prophet (saw) and all of the Prophets (as) before him walked? Our time is short on the earth and we all will be held accountable for our actions on the Day of Judgement. May Allah open our eyes and guide us to the straight path. Amin

[@zubaidasmith4551]

@robert howard I don't know if you viewed my earlier comments from 2 weeks ago. Please do. Your wording is quite eloquent, and politically correct and yet very misleading to those who follow only the general propaganda. Maybe you could express your views of our Prophet (saw) in order to clear up misunderstandings. From what I wrote, which is the truth couldn't be anything but encouraging. And this is something that you and many others refuse to believe. We all have aspirations Robert, I still don't think you get the point. But it is ok, we will continue to agree to disagree. You know the very people who you give special thanks to are the same people who say they follow the Prophet (saw) which you seem to have a different view about. Maybe that comment should be brought to those who you call royalty. The actual Saudi people from the view of the film were the ones who had been oppressed for generations. They were willing to try anything to bring back their land. Desperation breeds inspiration as they say. But Robert, it is neither here or there but the fact is is that a man who Allah gave a vision to and who put it into action was actually following the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) and all of the other Prophets (as) before him. Alhamdullilah And thank you Robert, you seem like a nice person as well but hiding behind cordial comments will never bring the truth to light. I do hope that you read my previous comments below. Take care Robert and may Allah guide us all to the straight path. Amin

[@zubaidasmith4551]

@robert howard Mr. Howard, my God (Allah) and HIS Messenger (saw) commands us to be honest, so why would I say my name would be any other than it is? That is deception, a disbeliever, a snake, a manipulator may do such things but not a believer in Allah and the next life. Also Mr. Howard, why would you assume that I am a follower of ISIS? I find it interesting how you throw these accusations and assumptions, "buzz words" in so easily, but in a polite way. Very good strategy from yours side I do have to say. You know all too well how to manipulate the masses. What a good PR person you are for your cause. But not everyone believes your words, especially not a believer in all of Allah's Books. I could easily say that your name is not your name and that you have a hidden agenda to mislead the average person when they speak out against oppression in any form. I follow no one but Allah and HIS Messenger. PERIOD! People of every culture have skills Mr. Howard. Saying they don't would be disrespectful of Allah because HE and only HE gave the skills to them. It is not the skills that a person has but how they use them that matters to Allah. I would also assume that the people who were involved from Saudi were also Muslim, those who follow Allah and HIS Messenger (saw), because when you say you are a Muslim you are following just that Allah and HIS Messenger (saw) and nothing else. Just as the Christians and Jews profess. I wonder what my Prophet Moses (as) or Jesus (as) would think about those who profess they believe in them and do what they are doing today against the world. I know, for a fact that, even though America is the melting pot and that as an American I have to right under the Constitution to practice my religion, America has proudly professed that it is a Christian Nation. So, what cha think Jesus ( as) feels about the invasion and Genocide all over the world in his (as) name? Especially since he (as) is still alive. And will witness against all of this on the Day of Judgement. Jesus (as) said, " I did not come to change the laws, but to fulfill them." The "laws" being the ones sent down to Moses (as) 1. Worship God and only God. 2. Put no one beside or above HIM, which includes humans.....Thou shalt not KILL, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife......From what I see and have experienced first hand all of these Commandments sent down from Allah have been broken. I am also a strong supporter of stopping Genocide not just of Armenian descent but world wide. And so was the Prophet (saw) as were all of the Prophets (as). You may have your point of view from a few people you know. Which is on the same line as saying, I have a black friend so I know what it's like. Very general, but a irrelevant statement. In today's world that is nothing new. You consider yourself an open person and yet you are very defensive, in a polite way, when the truth comes to you. Any philosophy that does not line up with Allah and all of HIS Messengers is not a religious philosophy at all but a man manipulated ideology. The Jews and Christians are held accountable for this as well. But I will not go into history details, Allah does that very clearly and simply in HIS Last and Final Revelation. And if your Yemen friend is Jewish then he knows that they are not to follow the Talmud (written by 70 Rabbi's) but the Torah. The actual Book sent down by Allah to Moses (as) And all of my points are IF you are only talking about the monolithic religions of that region. You talk of the US as being your homeland, do you not know your own history of how it was founded on Genocide of the Native Americans and exploitation of all if it's people living there till this day and around the world? Do you by chance see ANY German or English or any other military bases in the US? NO, but they have their "boots" in everybody else's backyard. Case in point, what is now going on with Germany. Are those tactics the Christian way, the way of Jesus? Do you know that it was the US government and those who back them who put the Sauds into power for a mir penance because they saw the economical and political advantages? And it has not changed to this day, that is why I spoke out to let people who are well intention see the reality of what it really is. The smoke screens of deception need to be removed. Even today the administration announces what every administration prior has said, but more politely, "That is OUR oil, we have the right to take it." I do not like anyone invading and raping and pillaging and killing for greed whether in my own country or anywhere for that matter. Again, Allah makes it very clear in HIS Last Revelation, that HE made us of many tribes and nations and we are to come together and learn from each other not oppress and exploit one another. Tell me Mr. Howard, what has America and it's allies taught the rest of the world? To be greedy, to conform to their way of thinking or else, to exploit and over consume and manipulate the resources Allah has given them. And then when it is depleted or near extinction they blame it on climate change or individuals who are less in power, saying it is their fault for the hole in the ozone or whatever else they want to pull out of their butts. That "they the people" are causing the carbon footprints. OH even the cows are to blame! God! They have no shame! That's mighty Christian of them don't cha think? WWJD? I say these truths Mr. Howard, because I was born and raised in the US. And I have the right under the Constitution to speak out against oppression. And the "history" that was taught to me in primary school and till this day, does not line up with the reality of what the founding fathers and its allies, then and now, have done to the Native Americans, the Asians, the Africans, the Irish, the Italians, South Americans and the list goes on.......But let me bring you to today's events for example.... Flint Michigan, the water system in general, the GMO's, chemical preservatives, the Chem trails, Big Pharma, who by the way founded the GMO's and" Round UP" distribution all over the world. The Genocide of humans especially of African descent and low income by the methods of vaccinations and abortion clinics. Not just in the US but particularly in Africa as well, which by the way is funded by Bill Gates. All in the guise of,"They know what's best." Do they know better than the ONE who created us!? Isn't God in control of everything? I believe as a Muslim American that my home country should clean up their own mess first before they even "look" into someone else's backyard to judge. We all struggle Mr. Howard, that is a fact of life. That is how Allah designed it. Life can be very hard, but we don't need someone's boot on our necks pushing us further into the dirt or scaring us with twisted propaganda, trying to take the very core of our souls, striping us of our dignity and our right to flourish. Now that Mr. Howard is true oppression, true evil. Allah calls them the Zalimun. No matter what name they put in front of them, their actions speak for themselves. And I say this about those who profess to be Muslim as well. Allah knows all that is in the hearts of man no matter what they "cover" themselves with. Alhamdullilah And Mr. Howard, if this was not your agenda to refute what I said in the manner in which you said it, and you did not want to reflect your views, you would have passed by my first comment to begin with. There are many other comments with such views and I do not see you commenting on them. So, now we are ALL clear on what your intentions really are. Thank you very much clarify that to the rest of the world, but most importantly to Allah. But hey, HE knew that to begin with. He just had to make it clear for the rest of HIS creation who may not be as well informed. Alhamdullilah And have a great day! And know that Allah's truths will always be revealed no matter how much the disbeliever hates it. Alhamdullilah! Salam

[@samcsuf]

As a Saudi I would like to thank you for this magnificent job... you guys gave life to those people... what an achievement 👏 👌 🙌 😍

[@MrJMont21]

Not life but help

[@albaydha702]

جزاك الله خير

[@johne7123]

I want to like your comment but it's at 69

[@michaelmcgee2026]

@@johne7123 someone liked it lol

[@johne7123]

@@michaelmcgee2026 I guess I can like it now 😆

[@DereksWorkshopAndProjects]

The changes made there almost brought me tears, and as a person who rarely gets emotional, this was unexpected. But it’s beautiful. I’m so inspired.

[@mohamedkhrarba3691]

A lot of effort à little results, Arabia Kingdom has the possibilities to do better with chines, Koreans or seoydaian people. This person is just job for his Contry or university.

[@marlontorres2752]

So ur going there 2 hlp😳

[@astranger.3890]

Absolutely,it is emotionally overwhelming ,how amazing this project turned out ,very inspiring

[@davidhickenbottom6574]

I had the same reaction, we need to be connected to our environment. I live in the very green Northeast USA. I do not take it for granted. If our rain was cut off we would look like the desert South west.

[@Gracia144JesusSaves]

🖐️♥️

[@TsarOfRuss]

Thanks to the princesses that paid attention to the people of that village in the first place .... Im sure the village would have disappeared on map by now if they were ignored back in 2010 . Thanks so much for this great work Mr Spackman! absolutely incredible

[@savannahsmiles1797]

did the men all desecrate the land for profit?

[@Hasturoth]

@@savannahsmiles1797 Same reason they restored it: they did what they thought was best.

[@wm4506]

Thinking of ourselves as a keystone species is so much better than an apex predator. Thank you for inspiring me to continue in the college of forestry.

[@farmonthehill7390]

Neal - I always thought Al Baydha was an impossible mission with a negative ROI that was a bridge too far for you - especially during the multi-year period with no rain around the time you left for Stanford. I have to give you credit for what you achieved with all of those stone earthwork check dams and terraces and dry land systems when the flood rain finally returned after several years. This is the sort of land repair task that will cost billions and required government money but it is one that you proved that can stop the desertification and that can repair the landscape (even though it may take a decade). Your work is also an inspiration showing that good regenerative design can (slowly) fix landscapes severely damaged by mismanagement and bad practices. Job well done...

[@faithgichuru3617]

This is proof that if all the resources all the nations put towards their military might could be redirected towards restoring and regenerating the earth no one would be hungry anymore, there would be no more wars, the world would be a better place and people would be much happier, life would be as it was meant to be..... good. 😍😍😍

[@ewm4266]

Umegonga ndipo

[@Belioyt]

I have always thought the same. The issues of the world is not that there isn't enough, it is that it's not enough for the greed of humans. Military might is not about protection or preserving a nation, it is about subduing other nations.

[@frankiehalls7173]

faith you said it all.Love your insights

[@Chris.Davies]

Neal specifically works in the real world - not a fantasy world where arms dealers, manufacturers, governments and military organisations suddenly realize the error of their ways, and give all their money to poor people to recover the environment. Forget the military budget; the planet can be restored DESPITE military spending. It does not require nations give up their military power to recover their lands. Because unlike military dollars, every dollar spent recovering landscapes returns a lot more than one dollar in long-term benefits. Investing in land recovery is a self-perpetuating and self-sustaining process. Once it takes place in one area, the people next door want to do the same - and so the process expands naturally. This is the entire point of the process: you can't (and shouldn't) force anyone to do anything! When the economic gains are seen, the new systems are adopted! This is known as "capitalism", and more specifically "enlightened capitalism" which seeks to improve life on all levels, with no downsides. Better lives and more wealth are all the incentives local people ever need, to make the changes necessary to renew and restore their landscapes.

[@faithgichuru3617]

@@Chris.Davies Wow.... what insights. Thanks for sharing.

[@htennekblinkue7924]

Those who participated in this projects are truely heroes, Great job guys👏👏👏👏

[@batwork4031]

This is wonderful, some Rural Areas in South Africa can benefit from this.

[@leedza]

Would be easier work as the climate is a lot more forgiving. I was devastated by the deforestation in my rural homelands but it's nothing that cant be fixed.

[@danielwhyatt3278]

That would be wonderful to see. We can’t say that animals don’t need it. A lot more mouths to feed and thirsts to quench.

[@abdull4h]

I'm a Saudi you you really need to make a version in Arabic of this film or at least translate it Such an effort need to be widely publicized through out Saudi Arabia Simple, done in association with local people with minimalist skills in restoring the land, yet effictive and can be copied in many areas Please please make an Arabic version I know the people who are going to request your services and many others in Saudi Arabia speak English but an Arabic version will make the story fly to everyone's phone who is intreasted but don't speak English (and they are a lot)

[@aaaaaa2206]

You are Saudi, you speak English. Why don't you make an Arabic version or at least make subtitles for this video and reupload it? Plus it's in your people's interest to make this video that you speak of. Why do you expect outsiders to do something that benefits you people?

[@Nawaf-]

@@aaaaaa2206 I should do that! 😃 Now I found a project to work on for the day! Thanks guys for the idea! 🙏 😊

[@Nawaf-]

Also. We can share it with Saudi youtubers so they would talk about it and spread awareness. 👍

[@michaelmccarthy8749]

That is very smart of you! Thank you for your efforts.

[@kanethompson708]

🙏

[@mohammedkhalifa4030]

You are definitely putting your hands on the solution to so many environmental issues. Not maintaining, you're bringing real solutions. Well done Neal 🙏

[@JohnPritzlaff]

I've watched tens of thousands of permaculture and regenative ag videos. This guy makes some wonderfully nuanced points at the end. Inspiring as hell. My Phoenix food forest is starting its 4th year, and has been very successful.

[@peckchoad]

I had been holding my breath... I hadn't seen you post in so long that I was afraid that the project had failed. SO HAPPY to see that you all pulled it off. So inspiring!

[@duncansh81]

Regenerative agriculture is amazing. What I appreciated even more, however, is the investment in the people which gave them skills to help continue to heal the land and lift themselves out of abject poverty. This was an awesome project.

[@polyculturefarms]

Thank You for the inspiration. This project was one of the main reasons we started our own dryland regen project. Thanks again from Oz!

[@ferdisaham4601]

i live where water is abundance.... to live where water are rare...its unthinkable... respect for these ppl...top guys

[@abubakrelsiddig9027]

Commenting to help the KZbin algorithm spread this even further. Amazing work Neal!

[@dislike__button]

Who has summoned me?

[@2036scott]

@@dislike__button lol

[@Insight-.-]

It worked, and thank you 🙏 I was greatly impressed by what was shown in the video, it has made me rethink of where to buy land, with this possibility of regeneration.

[@brucewillis4604]

The paani foundation in India uses watershed technology in much the same way. Good to see people making a difference

[@Z501]

Sir, you are a living legend! That is a legacy that you live behind that will inspire future generations.

[@moosa9850]

No matter how many times I watch this video, 1 day since it was uploaded, my tears flow, just seeing how the patience and resilience of everyone involved helped with the restoration of the environment by the grace of the ALMIGHTY.

[@marcheck3400]

I have been checking the site on Google Maps regularly since I found this channel, and seeing that the trees continue to die out ever since the irrigation was stopped, I thought that the whole project had failed. Never knew that the region can have no rain at all for such a long period of time. This has been a trial by fire for the system. Congratulations to the whole Al Baydha team. Looking forward to get an update from the Google Map satellite images.

[@PseudoAccurate]

Can you point us to the map? I've been trying to find it and it's a needle in a haystack.

[@-datnerd-3125]

@@marcheck3400 Many thanks !!

[@SamJewel]

After dedicating myself to promoting land regeneration since 1998 this brings me tears of joy. Thanks you so much for this huge work. Well done!! so inspiring and thank you for the visual documentation and presentation.

[@arunchandramathi9572]

Ma'am do you have your own organisation ?

[@arunchandramathi9572]

Please share website

[@carmenortiz5294]

Is that so, so how about you tell us what you have done beside "promoting"? I see you have not responded to arun. Are you part of the problem, all talk and no action? I posted under Rocky Mountain MT what I have done, starting when I was 58 and what it is now when I am 75. "Promoting" is nothing without your own action. Are you a fake?

[@aprile.1915]

I found this story at the moment I needed to hear something positive. I was so moved by this story and the incredible message that I've always resonated with: That humans are inherently good and when inspired and activated by this message, can bring about such positive affects on each other and the environment. My 7th grade son is having to do a science project about how humans are destroying the world and our negative impact on the environment. He is supposed to find supporting evidence of this. Instead, he will be using this video as an example of what we are doing right for the planet. Thank you so much for your work, your message, and your inspiration.

[@briananderson2219]

This land is blessed by the royals family ability to raise the Wadie ability to retain water and bless their family’s land. Bless all families who help other families prosper

[@elatu]

I've been following this project for years and was very sad when the videos stopped. Seeing that grass sweep in the wind at 12:10 makes me very happy. Congratulations! And please, keep updating!

[@qorje]

Love the comment that we shouldn't aim to be less bad, but to be good!

[@carlosqlv]

less bad is a good start

[@judioerrante7976]

I've seen this video more than 10 times, just to remind me that I have a huge responsibility to start regenerating the soil on my land. Finally I got the guts to leave my tech job in order to get into the land and do something beautiful for mother nature.

[@albaydha702]

Best of luck to you! This work is hard, but it's worth it.

[@MaxineSimone]

amazing story, I teared up seeing the transformations of the landscape

[@StefanSobkowiak]

Neal you cannot go through such a long term project without growing. Although the achievement is spectacular and inspiring and I’m sure it had its ups and downs all along the way. You and your team are the greatest achievement of the project. Your capacity to affect change has been tested, your perseverance and persistence has stood. Now you can take on greater challenges. All the best in your new venture.

[@zizotoro]

It's with great surprise finding your comment here Stefan. How's your work doing?

[@aron8949]

Hello Stefan! I love your content!

[@zestoslife]

So very pleased that they system has survived and shown to be resilient without rainfall. Thanks heaps for sharing this update. We rejoice with you.

[@coplawfamily]

David Whyte 2

[@seanregehr4921]

It was not actually resilient without rainfall, as they mentioned plants and trees began dying off. When the rain came again is when everything came back to life though, and all that did survive became battle tested for the conditions. They should be planting as many Acacia trees as possible as they are native to the area and climate.

[@rodneycaupp5962]

@@seanregehr4921 Exactly... Sean. Trees and Grass, " but the right kind of trees and grass". There is an interesting story about re-establishing forest in the desert areas of the Grand canyon and Colorado river, and it was all about finding the right trees out of 25 or more varieties of cottonwood and birch trees. Those forests were cut down in the 1800s to be used in the steam powered riverboats of that era.

[@RagbagMcShag]

@@rodneycaupp5962 Really annoying how the greed of the past can destroy so much of potential for the future

[@grovermartin6874]

@@RagbagMcShag And lack of foresight. There was an attitude of, "There's more where that came from." If people are not educated about consequences, and how everything is connected to everything else, they are unlikely to imagine how their behaviours have impact on the world around them. Do we think that most people who toss their plastic water or soft drink bottles out of the window of their cars are intentionally contributing to the monstrously huge Pacific Gyre of garbage, killing fish and other marine animals? Please tell me "no."

[@monicacruz4407]

Breathtaking achievement. I’m sorry your funding dried up, but such a brave decision,to cut the irrigation, and such a payoff. Seeing those grasses swaying is just wonderful. Congratulations to all the people involved and I hope this is now the.sustainable system everyone wanted. As long as overgrazing doesn’t happen, it should help lots of people have a better life. Thank you for this film! 🙏

[@ValeriaVincentSancisi]

yes my thoughts on hoping the grazing is managed

[@yonowaaru]

I love how hyped everyone gets at the tumbling boulders, very relatable

[@tomsln00]

thanks to the people of Saudi Arabia for their initiative, willingness, trust, commitment, hard work, learning, persistence and other great human qualities to see the project through to this awesome hopeful result. And not just hope, for me its the realisation that with design and the above qualities, that shows as you say Neil 'humans being good for the planet'. Awesome. I did shed a tear of happiness! And, thank you Neil thank you. I have so enjoyed watching the journey through the videos. Go Well.

[@Bazza5000]

The vegetation looked amazing. Since oil is becoming less important, more of Saudi Arabia needs to do this.

[@alienrobotcommando]

Two key things to note; nature/wildlife is resilient and persistent. You took the time to nurture the plants enough and we'll enough at the beginning, giving them time and strength to root in before the droughts. I think this is critical as to where a system can survive sever drough in its infancy. That's my two cents. 🙂

[@williamd1891]

This should be replicated in every mountainous desert.

[@MrMdhoward5]

This made me cry. It’s so beautiful what they are doing

[@cseeszkaborjigin7150]

This is AMAZING! I just bought 5 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Fort Garland in the United States. The particular area that I bought land in is desert. and very arid. The property is 8,235 feet in elevation, so it is high desert land. There is no soil, Just sand and as few pinion pine trees , but mostly sand and sage brush. About the only water it gets is from the snow melt and a bit of rain in early spring. The land is slightly sloped and I can see how the water sheds off the property causing gullies and erosion. My plan for the property is to build an all natural medicine retreat center where people can come to heal. I have studied permaculture under Matt Powers and many others. And this plot of land is where I plan to build an oasis of abundant life in the middle of a desert, where patients can come and be restored in a beautiful environment where once only sand and sage brush existed. I want to thank you and all the permaculture people who are leading the way for us to learn from and carry on the work of restoring the planet.

[@leelindsay5618]

Don't forget to include rumenants if you want faster soil building. Their rumen is what primes the biology to grow soil - even if you could rent a cow once or twice a year that doesn't have some chemical pour on it, you would get a kickstart to the land.

[@Lainer1]

I would love to see before & after photos of your project. Is there a website we can watch the progress? Thanks!

[@nataliemarino7581]

My friends Deb and Gary just bought property there 3 years ago! I wonder if you know them? Your plans sound awesome and I hope they work out.

[@cseeszkaborjigin7150]

@@nataliemarino7581 , Hi! No I do not know them, but who knows, we may meet one day!

[@WhereWhatWhenWhy]

How much was it? if you don't mind me asking

[@hanojacobs1971]

Neal, What an amazing and inspirational summary of a 10yr journey! Your vision is not only plausible but game changing. Wishing you all the best of luck !!

[@BokashiPinoy]

this is the sort of stories that should be made viral. Congratulations!

[@pepijnv8585]

“We are not destructive by nature, but by habit” beautifully said

[@randomname5585]

this is truly one of the biggest achievements of our time.

[@rosiandhermusic]

what amazing work. Permaculture can teach us so much. I love that everyone on this project had so much patience and kept the vision alive through all those dry intervening years. All over the world there are pockets of such good work. Together we are strong and can help the earth sustain us once more

[@cdpoolgirl2813]

This is so beautiful, thank you so much for sharing this project, I wish we could do this all over the world, 🙏🌎❤️

[@sallysassa]

That made me cry. What a magnificent transformation. Congratulations to all who made a dream come true.

[@mindripperful]

"When we recognize our role as a Keystone species"

[@claireandersongrahamkeller2744]

Talk about a reframe! So inspiring!

[@aaronlohr8477]

Absolutely! We have the ability to transform ecosystems into paradises.

[@ToriBailey]

@@aaronlohr8477 yet so little of us are doing it... 😩

[@fareshajjar1208]

Basically what conservatives have believed all along.

[@ToriBailey]

@@fareshajjar1208 doubt that. We wouldnt be mowing lawns "they" did. 😣 If you know you know.

[@kimberleypex]

Its 2022 Now , more than ever , we need green ! Respect for your beautiful work ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@JabeLive]

What an amazing project.. Thanks to all who participated, I am inspired.

[@JabeLive]

We can not settle for being less bad to the earth, we should be good for the earth 🌍

[@robertkacala]

this is where oil money should go...restore Saudi desert.

[@somepotatos131]

it certainly is the most sensible allocation of financial resources from the Saudi perspective but this brings up an interesting problem when you consider it further: the proceeds from the production and distribution of oil, a product that leads to the creation of carbon dioxide that furthers climate change around the world, would be used improve the environment local to it's source extraction at the cost of environment outside of it.

[@mwoolgardens]

Agreed 100%

[@Mojo_3.14]

@Aedin Ridmash I think you mean. "The USA's money goes to buying oil." Your sentence structure had that backwards. Understandable if English isn't your first language.

[@thebambugarden4585]

@Aedin Ridmash Nope.

[@turtle2pond]

Agricultural prosperity is _true_ wealth as it gives self-sufficiency and if people share and help one another it will ensure long lasting peace.

[@deborahmerkerson1145]

Congratulations to the people of Al Baydha! It took 6 years of hard labor and another 4 years of growth to see the fruits of your labor. You have so much to be proud of.

[@BisayaVines9068]

I can't stop my eyes 😭 tears 😭 seeing how this Change will make impact to the whole world. I been in Egypt, moroco, Saudi, UAE, and I've seen this kind of system watering plants by hoses. I a can't stop thinking how blessed I am in living in o country that full of everything . PHILIPPINES. 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🙏🙏🙏🙏 Oh Lord GOD Thank you for everything

[@jean-jacqueslavigne3109]

We are all for you. Good job. This is what we love seeing! And love enabling! The Earth300 Team.

[@sarahflanagan9345]

What is so inspiring about this story is that if we have the willpower, we can learn from our mistakes and fix degraded lands anywhere in the world. So much of the news cycles is how bad humans can be, but we are also capable of doing great things. I look at this ecological project as something that is as beautiful as any museum painting. Both made by humans and we are richer for their existence.

[@akumuryu]

This is so cool. I feel like I'm watching Dune come to life and you're Kynes.

[@egorsatyr923]

I love this comment. Was thinking the same thing this whole time!

[@paulyounger1190]

Every time I watch this video it is better than I remembered it. Amazing project, would love to see more updates.

[@nealspackman1330]

Hi Paul -- i haven't been back in 4 years, and the project's mostly focused on a housing development for the tribes there. But keep an eye out on the Green Saudi Initiative...

[@fooshampoo904]

Being a Good Steward is a core value. I love what you have done. the implications of being a keystone species is wonderful. I am glad I found this video. Ps I love the desert. I lived in it for over a decade. It sings to my heart still.

[@kmattar]

Beautiful documentary. It was wise to recruit locals and elders. Take care of Mother Earth and always protect your land.

[@badgardener]

Totally wonderful. The shots 12-13 minutes in show the absolute magic of permaculture. Al-Hamdulillah!

[@briananderson2219]

Bless the royal family for their work and continued success on all of your Water ways to enhance the life of your peoples, from Bloomington Indiana United States

[@BenjaminRollins]

Way to go Neal and those involved. This is an uplifting and important work.

[@SYCPrescott]

Those shots over the fields of grass were so beautiful.

[@TWOCOWS1]

yes, except they are NOT from that spot, but worked into the film for the gullible to think it is

[@holgerchristensen4021]

@@TWOCOWS1 proof?

[@TWOCOWS1]

@@holgerchristensen4021 look around the scenery. do you really need someone to point that out to you? no wonder these folks find it so easy to fool people

[@holgerchristensen4021]

@@TWOCOWS1 Its funny you said that, because I did and its quite obvious that they are filming the same spots, but from a different angle. So you have to rewatch the clips and keep an eye on the cliffs. You only fooled yourself.

[@davidcarbon9771]

Big Respect from Hawaii!!! You are a hero of humanity and this needs to be replicated across the whole planet!

[@cvmaya5995]

Very satisfying to watch bare desert turn into greenery...please keep updating...thanks

[@jimsonmurangiri4745]

Regenerative agriculture is the future of our planet

[@clickclack2412]

I was really worried about this project caus it kinda dissappeared from sight. This video just BLEW my mind away im sooooo happy to see that it was a success and I cant wait to collaborate with these folks in the future!

[@TheSpecialJ11]

What's so amazing about these sorts of water management techniques is they get better the larger you scale them up, which we're used to water usage getting less efficient as scale grows up. If an entire region uses these techniques, the atmospheric humidity can start to rise, furthering the amount of water available for system. It's also what makes desertification so easy. A little overgrazing in one area can quickly lead to collapse.

[@nonenoneonenonenone]

Is it such a massive undertaking to build terraces? Are the local people continuing to build them on their own? Or do they only do it when outsiders tell them to?

[@vedrisca]

@@nonenoneonenonenone The Al-Baydha project was funded by one of the Saudi princes as a proof of concept; the immediate economic benefits compared to working in the urban centers is so little that many locals have no choice but to abandon these initiatives because of the massive upfront costs in manpower, time, and money it takes to dig swales, pile on berms, and terrace the mountains. While other states like India and China implement these on much larger scales because of the much more forgiving climate, Saudi Arabia's overreliance on oil money (which tends to be concentrated in the families that do control oil fields) and outsourcing of industrial / agricultural power means that there's very few people with the know-how to do this kind of thing, much less the willpower to implement the project with their own funds and time in the relatively harsher conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.

[@tjchaka5343]

In the video he mentioned that they could replicate their small project across the region and possibly return rivers to the area. I think scaling up would quickly improve the area. It is amazing how just adding cover crops or mulch can cool the surface of an area. Cool the surface of several areas the size of their project and so much would change for the better. I sure hope they keep the project going and growing. There are spots here in the southwest USA that had similar projects. With these projects, they have had natural springs return that feed water sources. Ponds that were lost are back. With the retained water, the life of the area has greatly increased. Nature is good to us when we are good to it.

[@kekibannmi6054]

@@vedrisca The actual key to this kind of solution working is for everyone to do whatever they can within their sphere of influence to work towards a common goal/objective rather than as a massive movement/project that must be done in one or two seasons. You start at home and set up local water harvesting...then to any land you have access to. Every day as you take a walk you add another pile of rocks to another little berm. You make it a cultural habit that everyone takes part in rather than just looking for how to profit from it directly.

[@simonshah]

Great point and cause for great hope!

[@hiendang3460]

"We can become the Primary Vector for Regenerating our Planet". I'm in total awe... I can only imagine there was a lot of sweat and tears here, but the Love really outshone the heartaches when no rain came for 31 or so months!!

[@2high686]

This is the coolest video I’ve watched in a long time.

[@t.4999]

This is what Middle East needs... and this is what the people there need to be thought about

[@saudaltamimi8637]

we already know how to build terraces..weve been doing this for 1000s of years he told you.. it was nabatean and yemeni agricultural methods. we just have corrupt governments

[@PiecesOfNature]

@@saudaltamimi8637 but there weren't that many built before apparently.

[@lidawaydamasen5847]

this had me teary eyed, the perseverance, commitment, and trust that the earth will do its part in helping you out. I'm so touched, its so inspiring. this earth needs more people like you . Big salute, and thank you for sharing.

[@simonsmith7319]

why isn't this type of water capture being done on a grand scale in the southwest USA? Perfect for Arizona and it's flash flooding rains.

[@danielsmith5143]

If nothing else at least now you know it is possible.

[@tss9886]

American Politicians refuse to accept thstvthere is a problem do no need to try and fix it. 😪

[@gudea01]

I guess, it was Truman, who started to build swales in south of US. Don´t know exactly. Mollisson shows it in one of his movies.

[@michaelmcgee2026]

@@tss9886 farmers are also extremely slow to embrace change. In my experience with them anyways

[@alexanderdvanbalderen9803]

Because they're too dumb to care about sustainability, some are too desperate, and the rest are just mega corporations that have contracts with other mega corporations to protect each other. A lot of the us' land is used "efficiently" in a capitalist sense Because they can buy tractors and fertiliser and have a relatively reliable demand for their product already. So for the time being, they perceive that their investments into permaculture aren't necessary yet

[@TheRozylass]

The biggest lesson I see from this is that there is no "quick fix". Restoration takes time, but is so worth that time and effort. I really appreciate that locals were involved and worked together. They now have sweat equity and knowledge that will help them maintain and expand the benefits of this restoration. What a great project!

[@vazev]

Truly inspirational. I've followed your journey from the start. I hope to one day see all of middle east flourishing in the same beauty. I would love to see a walkthrough and tour of the lands where you talk more in detail about successes and failures. How you built your dams to not wash away during floods would be more than interesting.

[@petek55]

I watch this and feel real hope for our planet and man kind , let’s all embrace such practices ,where ever we are , close the loop and seek renewable systems of sustainability.

[@seanregehr4921]

There is no reason to lack hope. God already designed and created everything and made it to work efficiently and sufficiently. The key to restoring His kingdom (the earth), is to stop the destructive practices. They have been going on for far too long and look how well it still works under such duress with little to no attention en mass. Certainly only a little consistent care will go a long way to restoring all the earth's natural systems.

[@jager896]

Isaiah c35 v1 says The wilderness and the parched land will exult and the desert plain will blossom as the saffron

[@aron8949]

Coolest thing I’ve ever been able to watch, I hope there is more!

[@jaicymelisse5532]

I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up when the time lapsed to 2019 💙 This is absolutely amazing, thank you so much for your dedication and demonstrating to the world that with effort and time these systems can turn a desert into an oasis.

[@QFamilyAdventures]

What an incredible project! I hope it gets adopted all over Saudi Arabia and the world. Thank you for sharing, what an inspiration!

[@eltolman]

These men are building a real future. Projects like this one are blooming all over the world, and bring hope for our children...

[@karenrenfro6961]

This made me cry. For years I have been praying to God, asking Him to bless all the people in the world who care for the animals of the world, and the animals of the world, and their habitats, and now today I know my prayers are being answered. Only more so. I am still crying. Thank you for posting this video. May God bless everyone who helped make it. God bless everyone who sees it. And thanks be to God who has given us the humble but momentous task of being good stewards of the beautiful world He made for us to live in. "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." --Isaiah 35:1 & 2

[@mohannair5671]

To my mind a new method of prayer has been created in the kand of mecca and Medina by your efforts. God bless you in FB infinitely!!!!!

[@aenorist2431]

Comment so the algorithm maybe shows this to more than the 30k it reached so far.

[@-datnerd-3125]

Yes

[@yLeprechaun]

Wow! Well done Neal. I don't think I could have resisted boughten irrigation for that long. Not after all that work. But what a smack right in the face type of proof. Well done!

[@user-mq1up2fw4r]

Crazy what peace and cohesive teamwork across borders can accomplish in the middle of a desert.

[@sheetalbhalerao8192]

People will whole heartedly cooperate in this efforts.God bless you 🙏

[@zophielm2362]

This is amazing! I'm a big supporter of regenerative agriculture and living, and this is so inspiring to see. To demonstrate that this can work in the desert, shows what can be done in more forgiving environments as well.

[@claireandersongrahamkeller2744]

When I co-designed Hoku nui, 2012-2016, a Regenerative Farming Community on 260-acres of dead soil, that was former toxic, poisoned pineapple farming for 15 years, I watched our 160 cattle, 1,000 chickens, 107 sheep, a few goats, + pigs and our Keyline Design and Yeomans plow restore vibrant life, a flourishing ecosystem and beautiful grasses! We are Nature and when we act like it, MIRACLES replace the confusion, desertification of loving hearts, and the soil. Aloha, Claire

[@jamebreeding4581]

Amazing work. Now that's a legacy to leave for the future.

[@janetsalmon1483]

This documentation of the effect of re-greening one site is absolutely creditable. Just wondering whether a 2021 update has been prepared?

[@buddhapiyao1315]

Saudi has excellent soil. I lived in the north zone of Saudi for abt 8 years. Since I cud not work I started gardening. I used local soil and goat, sheep manure and water. That's it. I grew abt 20 different vegetables. Green leafy vegetables thrived in the soil. Bottle gourd used to grow upto almost 3 ft. Tomatoes were so abundant, we distributed kilos to our neighbors. Our neighbors then asked me to help them with their garden. Atleast 20 homes were growing their own vegetables by 5 years time.