RIYADH: The Kingdom is on track to reach its goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Vision 2030 plan.
Some 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 from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.
Mangroves work with coral reefs and seagrass beds to keep coastal zones healthy, marine scientists say. (SPA)
Most of the projects reported by the NCVC are currently being implemented along the Kingdom's Red Sea coast, with Jazan province topping the list with 5.5 million plants. Makkah province followed with 2.4 million, Medina 2 million, Tabuk 1.5 million and Asir 1 million.
Along the Persian Gulf coast, the Eastern Province has planted 500,000 saplings, according to the report.
But before the formal launch of the project along the Persian Gulf, the center noted that 700,000 saplings had already been planted. This included 200,000 in Ras Abu Ali Island in Jubail Governorate and 500,000 in Al-Wajh Governorate.
“The project includes fencing and tending the plants, to protect them from algae and seaweed, and to protect the sites from grazing and encroachment,” SPA reported.
Also, NCVC and Asir Region Development Authority on Wednesday launched a 'Mangrove Restoration' programme. This was 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 of Asir Region. (SPA)
Campaigners planted 500 mangrove seedlings on the beaches of Al-Barak governorate. Leaders of the event were Al-Barak Governor 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 amid climate change and global warming.
Mangroves, working together with seagrass beds and coral reefs, keep coastal zones healthy, marine scientists say.
They have been found to provide important habitats 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 record declines in fish stocks.
