DHAHRAN — Saudi Aramco announced its plan to build the first natural reserve in Ras Tanura to preserve the last Avicennia mangroves. Aramco Engineering Services Executive Director Abdullah Al-Baiz said the announcement was made at the Petroleum and the Environment Progressive Forum and Exhibition held under the patronage of Prince Saud Bin Naif, Emir of the Eastern Province. The theme of the event was "Partnerships Toward A Sustainable Environment". The event ran for two days and it discussed potential strategies to preserve the environment, said Al-Baiz. He also said Aramco Environmental Protection plans to build the first Avicennia trees reserve. "Avicennia trees are becoming extinct and there is only one forest of Avicennia trees left. It is located in Ras Tanura. Saudi Aramco plans to preserve the mangroves and also plant new trees on the east coast, said Al-Baiz. The aim is to plant around 1 million Avicennia trees as they have great benefits to the coastal environment. The Avicennia trees are important to coastal environments as they add to the biodiversity. The Avicennia trees typically grow on the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.
