RIYADH: More than 10,000 mangrove saplings were planted across Saudi Arabia’s coastal regions on Sunday in an initiative led by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, in celebration of World Wetlands Day.
The regions included Madinah, Aseer, Jazan, Makkah, and the Eastern Region, each selected for its ecological significance and potential to benefit from enhanced coastal vegetation.
The initiative forms part of the center’s commitment to engaging local communities in environmental conservation, which also includes various volunteer opportunities to foster a “collective sense of responsibility toward protecting and restoring the Kingdom’s natural ecosystems.”
Mangrove forests, often referred to as the “green lungs” of the coastline, play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, the NCVC said.
They act as natural barriers against storms and tsunamis, provide rich habitats for marine life, and are highly effective in capturing carbon, making them vital in the fight against climate change.
The NCVC’s broader mission focuses on developing, protecting, and monitoring vegetation cover sites across Saudi Arabia while rehabilitating degraded areas.
The center is also involved in detecting environmental violations, combating illegal logging, and overseeing the management of natural rangelands, forests, and national parks.
These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s objectives to promote sustainable development and environmental sustainability.
