RIYADH: According to the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 plan, the kingdom is on track to achieve its goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.
About 1.3 million mangrove seedlings have been planted since the ambitious coastal forest cover program began a year ago, the Saudi Press Agency cited a recent progress report by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development 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 operating along the Kingdom's Red Sea coast, with Jazan province topping the list with 5.5 million plants. 2.4 million in Makkah province, 2.0 million in Madinah, 1.5 million in Tabuk and 1.0 million in Asir.
Along the Arabian Gulf coast, Eastern Province reportedly planted 500,000 saplings.
However, before the official launch of the project in the Arabian Gulf, the Center had said that 7 lakh saplings had been planted. This includes 200,000 on Ras Abu Ali Island in Jubail Governorate and 500,000 in Al-Waz Governorate.
“The project includes fencing and tending plants, protecting against algae and seaweed, and protecting sites from grazing and encroachment,” SPA reported.
Additionally, the NCVC and Asir Region Development Authority launched a “mangrove restoration” program on Wednesday. This was to mark the United Nations' International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, which is celebrated on July 26 every year.
Mangrove Plantation in Al-Barak Governorate, Asir Region. (SPA)
Campaigners planted 500 mangrove saplings along the coast of Al-Barak Governorate. The event was led by Al-Barak Governor Abdullah Bin Ali Bin Muhya and Mayor Nasser Saeed Al-Shahrani.
SPA said it aims to raise public awareness about the importance of planting and protecting mangrove forests in the face of climate change and global warming.
Mangroves, working in concert with seagrass beds and coral reefs, keep coastal areas healthy, marine scientists say.
They are found to provide essential habitat for thousands of species, stabilize shorelines, prevent erosion and protect communities from waves and storms.
According to the American Museum of Natural History, “75 percent of commercially caught fish spend some time in mangroves or depend on food nets found in these coastal forests.”
Many countries suffering from mangrove destruction continue to record declines in fish stocks.
