RIYADH: The Kingdom is on track to achieve 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 ambitious coastal forest program began a year ago, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently, citing a progress report by the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification.
Mangroves work with coral reefs and sea grasses to keep coastal areas healthy, marine scientists say. (SPA)
Most of the projects reported by the NCVC are currently being carried out along the Kingdom's Red Sea coast, with Jazan Province leading the way with 5.5 million seedlings. It was followed by Makkah province with 2.4 million, Madinah 2 million, Tabuk 1.5 million and Asir 1 million.
Along the Arabian Gulf coast, the Eastern Province has reportedly planted 500,000 saplings.
However, before the formal launch of the project along the Arabian Gulf, the center noted that 700,000 saplings had already been planted. This included 200,000 on Ras Abu Ali Island in Jubail Governorate and 500,000 in Al-Wajh Governorate.
“The project includes fencing and caring for the seedlings to protect them from algae and seaweed and to protect the sites from grazing and encroachment,” the SPA said.
Besides, the NCVC and the Asir Regional Development Authority launched the 'Mangrove Restoration' program on Wednesday. This happened on the occasion of the United Nations International Day for the Protection of the Mangrove Ecosystem, which takes place every year on July 26.
Mangrove Planting in Al-Barak Governorate of Asir Region. (SPA)
Activists planted 500 mangrove seedlings on the beaches of Al-Barak Governorate. The event was led by Governor Al-Barak Abdullah bin Ali bin Muhya and Mayor Nasser Saeed Al-Shahrani.
The SPA said the intention is to raise awareness of the importance of planting and protecting mangrove forests amid climate change and global warming.
Working together with sea grasses and coral reefs, mangroves keep coastal areas 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 continue to see declines in fish stocks.
