RIYADH: The Kingdom is on track to achieve its goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030 under the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 plan.
About 13 million mangrove seedlings have been planted since the launch of the ambitious coastal forest cover program a year ago, the Saudi Press Agency said recently, citing a progress report by the National Center for Developing Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification .
Mangroves work in concert 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 taking place along the coast of the Red Sea Kingdom, with Jazan province topping the list with 5.5 million seedlings. It is followed by Mecca province with 2.4 million, Madinah 2 million, Tabuk 1.5 million and Asir 1 million.
Along the Arabian Gulf coast, the Eastern Province planted 500,000 saplings, according to the report.
However, before the official launch of the project along the Arabian Gulf, the center noted that 700,000 saplings had already been planted. These included 200,000 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 seaweed, as well as protecting grazing sites and encroachment,” the SPA reported.
In addition, NCVC and Asir Region Development Authority launched a 'Mangrove Restoration' program on Wednesday. This marked the UN International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, which takes place annually on July 26.
Mangrove Planting in Al-Barak Governorate of Asir Region. (SPA)
The activities planted 500 mangrove saplings on the beaches of Al-Barak governorate. Leading the event was Governor Al-Barak Abdullah bin Ali bin Muhya and Mayor Nasser Saeed Al-Shahrani.
SPA reported that the intention is to raise awareness of the importance of planting and protecting mangrove forests in the context of climate change and global warming.
Mangroves, working together with seagrass beds and coral reefs, keep coastlines healthy, marine scientists say.
They have been found to provide essential habitat for thousands of species, stabilize shorelines, prevent erosion and protect communities from waves and storms.
“An estimated 75 percent of commercially caught fish spend some time in mangroves or depend on food webs that can be traced back to these coastal forests,” according to the American Museum of Natural History.
Many countries suffering from severe mangrove destruction have continued to see declines in fish stocks.
