RIYADH — Ras Tanura, the sprawling industrial city in the Eastern Province, will soon have a mangrove eco-park, the first of its kind in the entire region. The eco-park, set to breathe fresh life into the Kingdom's ecosystem, will be built under the aegis of Saudi Aramco. “The park will become an environmental landmark in the Kingdom. There's nothing like it in the entire region,” said Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader of the Environmental Protection Department in Saudi Aramco. The project is part of Aramco's commitment to environmental protection, he said. The eco-park is part of the company's effort to plant one million mangroves over the next five years — an unprecedented number in the Kingdom's history, according to a Saudi Aramco press release. The project is spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The park is scheduled to open in 2014. Mangroves are a natural habitat for marine organisms and serve as a breeding ground for shrimp, crab and fish species — the lifeblood of the Kingdom's fishing industry. Mangroves also absorb air pollutants and purify water by absorbing impurities and heavy metals. They are irreplaceable in maintaining the balance of Saudi Arabia's marine environment. “The eco-park will have a huge impact on environmental conservation,” noted Dr. Al-Abdulkader. “Because it will be open to visitors and will incorporate a boardwalk between mangrove trees — it means everyone can live the experience firsthand — educating the public is also a major part of this project.” The eco-park will cover an area of 62 sq. km. and be partially fenced and protected. Visitors could explore mangrove vegetation by strolling on a 1.5-km elevated boardwalk that will take them through the heart of the park. By incorporating a mangrove nursery, the eco-park is set to serve as a practical example of how mangroves serve the Kingdom's ecosystem. “It will be an enlightening experience for visitors; they will learn about nature and the environment. We are sure that after visiting the park they will leave with an understanding that they must play their part in preserving the environment.” — SG/SPA
