A Qualitative Examination of Wetlands Construction as an Effective Environmental Regeneration Technique in Desert Climates: The Case Study of Wadi Hanifa Wetlands in Najd Plateau, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Wadi Hanifa, a vital wetland in the Najd Plateau of Saudi Arabia, has faced significant environmental degradation over time. This review aims to evaluate the ecological and socio-economic impacts of Wadi Hanifa Wetlands’ rehabilitation, focusing on water quality improvement, soil erosion control, habitat enhancement, and water supply management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed across multiple databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and included grey literature. A total of 33 documents, including 27 articles and 6 grey literature sources. The defined outcomes were placed under four domains Results: The efforts of Wadi Hanifa wetlands have notably enhanced water quality, reduced soil erosion, restored habitats, and improved water supply in the Najd Plateau. Efforts like planting native vegetation and advanced landscape engineering have stabilized soil, reinforced banks, and improved water quality by reducing pollutants, including heavy metals. Restored critical habitats, supporting local biodiversity. Managing diverse water sources, including rainfall, groundwater, and treated sewage, ensuring a sustainable supply. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of Wadi Hanifa has demonstrated the potential of wetlands as a tool for environmental regeneration in arid regions. While significant progress has been made, ongoing monitoring and adaptive management are essential to sustain these improvements and address emerging challenges. The findings underscore the importance of integrating ecological restoration with urban development to achieve long-term environmental sustainability