Since the inception of the coastal forest-cover program a year ago, Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable progress, with an impressive 13 million mangrove seedlings planted. The Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has reported that the majority of the projects are concentrated along the Red Sea coast, with Jazan province taking the lead by planting 5.5 million seedlings. Notably, other Saudi provinces such as Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, and Asir have also significantly contributed to this initiative.
In addition to this, 500,000 seedlings have been planted along the Arabian Gulf coast in the Eastern Province. All of these efforts are part of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 plan, which aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. The restoration project for mangroves along the Arabian Gulf has made significant progress. The National Center for Vegetation Cover (NCVC) announced that 700,000 seedlings were planted prior to the official launch of the project. Of these, 200,000 were planted on Ras Abu Ali Island in Jubail governorate, and 500,000 were planted in Al-Wajh governorate.
To protect the seedlings from algae, seaweed, grazing, and encroachment, the project includes measures such as fencing and ongoing care. Moreover, in honor of the UN’s International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, the NCVC and Asir Region Development Authority launched a “Mangrove Restoration” program. This led to the planting of 500 mangrove seedlings on the beaches of Al-Barak governorate. The event was overseen by Al-Barak Gov. Abdullah bin Ali bin Muhya and Mayor Nasser Saeed Al-Shahrani.
The primary objective of this initiative is to promote awareness about the importance of planting and protecting mangrove forests in the context of climate change and global warming. Marine scientists have emphasized the critical role that mangroves, along with seagrass beds and coral reefs, play in sustaining the health of coastal areas. They provide essential habitats for numerous species, help stabilize shorelines, prevent erosion, and offer protection to communities from waves and storms.
According to the American Museum of Natural History, an estimated 75 percent of commercially caught fish spend time in mangroves or rely on food webs connected to these coastal forests. Countries that have experienced substantial destruction of mangroves have observed declines in fish stocks.
Saudi Green Initiative
The Saudi Vision 2030 was introduced in 2016, aiming to diversify the economy and transition to a more environmentally sustainable future. This initiative reflects the proactive approach of the Saudi government toward addressing climate change and enhancing the well-being of people both within and beyond the nation’s borders.At the core of this effort are three main pillars: the development of a dynamic society, a robust economy, and an ambitious nation.
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In alignment with the 2030 Vision, the Saudi Green Initiative was launched in 2021. This long-term sustainability plan aims to combat climate change, decrease emissions, and promote the use of clean energy throughout the Kingdom. The Saudi Green Initiative aims to achieve three primary objectives: reducing emissions, greening Saudi Arabia, and protecting land and sea.
1. Reducing Emissions:
Saudi Arabia has committed to generating 50% of its power from renewable resources by 2030. The initiative includes implementing measures such as reducing, reusing, and recycling CO2, investing in sustainable renewable energy, becoming a leading producer of clean hydrogen, increasing energy efficiency, and transforming waste management.
2. Greening Saudi:
The Saudi Green Initiative is strategically focused on planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating degraded land to restore natural greenery. This effort is expected to improve air quality, reduce sandstorms, and enhance ecological functions.
3. Protecting Land and Sea:
As part of this initiative, Saudi Arabia has pledged to protect 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 to promote conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable fishing practices.
Since its launch in 2021, over 77 initiatives have been implemented to advance the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative. Some examples of these initiatives include enhancing energy efficiency standards, establishing green mosques with tree planting initiatives, and launching ecological restoration projects in nature reserves.
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