RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans to plant 100 million mangrove trees along its coastline in the coming years, said the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC).
With Jazan receiving most of the 3.3 million seedlings, the Center has planted 6 million mangrove seedlings around the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts. The Saudi Green Initiative’s and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals align with the mangrove planting. Mangrove trees are essential and make up a crucial marine lifeline with numerous advantages for the ecology, the economy, and tourism.
Regarding storing carbon, mangrove forests are the most effective among all forest types. Additionally, by maximizing fish wealth, they serve as the habitat for migratory birds and contribute to food security. They also aid in lowering local temperatures and humidity while helping to clean up nearby beaches of pollutants.
The NCVC seeks to eliminate obstacles that vegetation cover sites face throughout the Kingdom while protecting, enhancing, and maintaining them. Additionally, it helps prevent overgrazing and detect encroachments. To carry out the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, the Centre strives to protect natural resources, biodiversity and supports local, regional, and global initiatives that fight climate change.
