RIYADH — The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) affirmed that it has planted more than 6 million mangrove seedlings on the coasts of Red Sea, and the Arab Gulf, noting that the highest share was in Jazan region with 3.3 million seedlings. NCVC confirmed that Saudi Arabia aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees in its coasts during the upcoming years. This comes to achieve the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The mangrove trees represent great environmental importance, and have several economic, tourism, and environmental benefits. It is also considered as a natural storage for absorbing carbon, and it is distinguished by being the most efficient among the other species for forests. Mangroves are a natural habitat for migratory birds, as well as being food security by maximizing fish wealth. It also contributes to ridding beaches of pollutants, and reduces the temperatures and the current climate humidity. It is noteworthy that the NCVC aims to protect, develop, sustain and preserve vegetation sites, as well as overcoming the challenges it faces all around Saudi Arabia. It also aims to detect encroachments and combat overgrazing, preserving the natural sources and biodiversity, in addition to supporting the efforts of combating climate change locally, regionally, and globally, in order to achieve the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).
