Saudi Arabia aims to plant 200M Mangroves by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Mangrove Project
Dubai Forum Highlights Mangrove Protection
In a significant move to safeguard biodiversity and combat coastal erosion, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVCDCR) is spearheading a project to plant over 200 million mangrove trees. Speaking at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum during COP28 in Dubai, Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdul Qadir, CEO of NCVCDCR, emphasized the crucial role of mangroves in the Gulf region and the Red Sea areas of Saudi Arabia.
30-Year Effort in Mangrove Conservation
Qadir highlighted the collective effort from society, government, and companies in the ongoing mangrove plantation project, which began over 30 years ago. With more than 10 million mangrove trees already planted in the Red Sea and Gulf regions, the focus is not only on preservation but also on extensive restoration efforts. The organization aims to establish national parks in mangrove areas to boost ecotourism and provide income for local communities.
Native Species for Successful Mangrove Growth
Qadir stressed the importance of using native species in mangrove restoration and reafforestation projects. Unlike attempts with different species in various locations worldwide, Saudi Arabia’s success lies in exclusively employing native species. This approach has led to remarkable growth in mangrove populations, ensuring the survival and sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
Rangeland Restoration and Tree Planting Initiatives
NCVCDCR’s initiatives extend beyond mangroves to rangeland restoration, covering over 70% of the Kingdom’s areas. With programs to protect and organize grazing, the organization is set to implement a massive tree-planting project, aiming to plant 10 billion trees. The first phase involves organizing grazing in 8 million hectares, contributing to sustainable land use and conservation efforts.
Preserving Oases and Economic Importance
NCVCDCR’s interventions also target oases, especially agricultural ones crucial for the economy. Proper regulation protects these areas, with a specific project aimed at safeguarding at least 100 non-agricultural oases. These measures underline Saudi Arabia’s commitment to comprehensive environmental conservation and sustainable development.
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