An investigative report published by Al-Youm newspaper revealed important details concerning the current state and future of vegetation cover in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the existing challenges and efforts to save the natural environment. This investigation comes at a time when the Kingdom is undergoing major environmental transformations aimed at combating desertification and promoting environmental sustainability.
Mangroves: The green treasure on the Saudi coast
The investigation highlighted the importance of mangrove trees (Mangrove holm oak) that grow along the coasts of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, describing them as the "first line of defense" against climate change. Mangrove forests are among the most efficient ecosystems for storing carbon, absorbing more carbon dioxide than tropical rainforests and storing it in their soil as "blue carbon." Furthermore, these trees play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion caused by waves and storms, and they serve as natural nurseries for numerous marine organisms and fish, thus enhancing biodiversity and food security.
National context: Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030
Discussions about vegetation cannot be separated from the broader context of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the "Saudi Green Initiative." This ambitious initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom in the coming decades and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land. Mangrove cultivation projects are a key component of this strategic plan, with stakeholders such as the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification working to increase mangrove forest areas through intensive afforestation projects and strict protection of coastal zones.
Challenges and expected impacts
The investigation examined the delicate balance between the degradation of vegetation cover caused by urban expansion and overgrazing in recent decades, and current conservation efforts. The success of these efforts would not only lead to local environmental improvements, such as lower temperatures and better air quality, but would also have a significant global impact on mitigating global warming. Furthermore, restoring vegetation cover, particularly mangroves, holds promising economic potential by stimulating ecotourism and supporting the fisheries sector, making investment in nature a cornerstone of a sustainable future for the Kingdom.
