RIYADH — The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has completed three large-scale mangrove reforestation projects in Tabuk, the Eastern Province, and Jazan, achieving a success rate of over 90 percent. The initiative coincides with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem and reflects the Kingdom's growing commitment to ecological sustainability. According to Eng. Sameer Malaika, Director General of Forests at the center, more than 170 hectares of degraded coastal forests have been rehabilitated using native Avicennia marina seedlings. The reforestation was conducted based on scientific criteria, accounting for tidal movements and water currents. In Umluj, Tabuk Region, the center restored nearly 50 hectares of mangrove forests, resulting in improved soil and water quality, greater biodiversity, and enhanced shoreline protection. The site has seen the return of various fish and bird species, reinforcing the mangroves' role as a natural carbon sink and supporting Saudi Arabia's broader climate change mitigation efforts. Project sites were selected based on environmental sensitivity, development needs, and suitability for planting. Field teams conducted detailed surveys assessing soil characteristics, salinity levels, and ecological viability to ensure successful cultivation. In recognition of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the center also launched a dedicated visual identity that highlights the environmental and economic value of mangroves.
