Riyadh: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) announced the planting of 52 million mangrove trees along the Kingdom's coasts, in cooperation with partners from various government, private, and non-profit sectors. This initiative is part of the National Afforestation Program and supports the objectives of the 'Saudi Green' initiative, which aims to plant 100 million mangrove seedlings by 2030.
According to Saudi Press Agency, mangrove forests are integrated ecosystems that play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity by providing natural habitats for birds, fish, and marine organisms. These forests also possess a high capacity to absorb and store significant amounts of carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. In addition, their intertwined root systems help stabilize coastal soils and protect shorelines from erosion by withstanding waves and storms.
Beyond their environmental importance, mangrove forests represent a valuable economic resource for coastal communities. As honey-bearing trees, they produce honey with high nutritional value. Moreover, they serve as ecological, touristic, and scientific attractions.
To support this effort, the National Afforestation Program is implementing several initiatives and projects aimed at planting millions of mangrove trees along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts. These efforts are guided by field surveys and comprehensive scientific studies examining water currents and tidal patterns. Additionally, high-capacity marine nurseries are being developed using scientific methodologies and under the supervision of specialized experts.