RIYADH: The Kingdom is on track to achieve its goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 plan.
Some 13 million mangrove seedlings have been planted since the ambitious coastal forest cover program began a year ago, the Saudi Press Agency said recently, citing a progress report by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
Mangroves work in synergy with coral reefs and seagrass beds to keep coastal areas healthy, marine scientists say. (SPA)
Most of the projects reported by the NCVC are currently underway along the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, with Jazan province topping the list with 5.5 million saplings. Makkah province follows with 2.4 million, Madinah with 2 million, Tabuk with 1.5 million and Asir with 1 million.
According to the report, along the Persian Gulf coast, the eastern province has planted 500,000 seedlings.
However, before the official launch of the project along the Arabian Gulf, the center noted that 700,000 seedlings had already been planted. Among them, 200,000 were planted on Ras Abu Ali Island in Jubail Governorate and 500,000 in Al-Wajh Governorate.
“The project includes fencing and tending the seedlings, to protect them from algae and aquatic plants, and safeguarding the sites from grazing and invasion,” the SPA said.
In addition, the NCVC and Asir Region Development Authority launched a “Mangrove Restoration” program on Wednesday. This is to mark the United Nations International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, which is held annually on July 26.
Mangrove plantation in Al-Barak governorate in Asir region. (SPA)
Activists planted 500 mangrove saplings on the beaches of Al-Barak governorate. Leading the event were Al-Barak Governor Abdullah bin Ali bin Muhya and Mayor Nasser Saeed Al-Shahrani.
The SPA said the aim is to raise public awareness of the importance of planting and protecting mangrove forests in the context of climate change and global warming.
According to marine scientists, mangroves, working in synergy with seagrass beds and coral reefs, keep coastal areas healthy.
They have been found to provide essential habitat for thousands of species, stabilize coastlines, prevent erosion, and protect communities from waves and storms.
“According to the American Museum of Natural History, approximately 75 percent of commercially caught fish spend time in mangroves or depend on food webs that can be traced back to these coastal forests.”
Many countries suffering from severe mangrove destruction continue to experience declines in fish stocks.
