Saudi Arabia Plants 72 Million Mangrove Trees, Targets 100 Million by 2030

Saudi Arabia has planted approximately 72 million mangrove trees along its coastline as part of a large-scale effort to restore coastal ecosystems, with the Kingdom aiming to increase the total to 100 million trees by 2030.

The expansion is part of environmental efforts linked to the Saudi Green Initiative, with mangrove restoration supporting coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, carbon storage and greater resilience to the effects of climate change.

Jazan Leads With More Than 23 Million Trees

The Jazan region has emerged as the Kingdom’s leading mangrove planting area, with more than 23 million trees planted along its coastline.

The large-scale restoration effort forms part of the National Greening Program’s work to expand vegetation cover and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems across Saudi coastal areas.

Mangroves provide benefits extending far beyond increasing vegetation. Their unique ecosystems perform several functions considered essential to healthy and resilient coastlines.

A Natural Defense for Saudi Coastlines

Dense mangrove root systems help stabilize coastal soil and reduce erosion while limiting the impact of waves and marine currents.

This allows mangrove forests to function as a natural coastal defense, protecting vulnerable shorelines from erosion and other environmental pressures.

Their role has become increasingly important as countries around the world explore nature-based solutions to strengthen the resilience of coastal regions.

Mangroves Help Store Carbon

Mangrove ecosystems are also known for their ability to capture and store carbon in vegetation and coastal sediments.

Restoring and protecting these environments can therefore contribute to broader climate-related efforts while delivering additional ecological benefits.

The combination of carbon storage, coastal protection and biodiversity support makes mangrove restoration a particularly valuable long-term environmental investment.

Natural Nurseries for Marine Life

Mangrove forests provide important habitats for fish and other marine species.

The complex environments surrounding their roots create protected areas where young fish can feed and grow, effectively turning mangrove ecosystems into natural nurseries for marine life.

This function can support fish populations and contribute to maintaining the ecological balance of coastal waters.

Mangrove areas also provide feeding and resting habitats for birds, including migratory species traveling through the Kingdom during seasonal migrations.

Two Main Mangrove Species

Saudi Arabia’s coastline is home to two principal mangrove species: Avicennia marina, locally known as shoura, and Rhizophora mucronata, known as qandal.

Shoura is the more widespread species and can be found along the Arabian Gulf and the northern and central Red Sea coasts.

It is particularly well adapted to high salinity, heat and dry conditions.

Qandal is more prevalent along the southern Red Sea coast and favors warmer, more humid environments. Its distinctive supporting root systems help stabilize the trees in waterlogged coastal areas.

28 Million More Trees to Reach the 2030 Target

With approximately 72 million mangrove trees already planted, another 28 million would bring the Kingdom to its target of 100 million trees by 2030.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification continues to implement programs aimed at protecting and expanding mangrove forests, while wider conservation efforts seek to safeguard coastal biodiversity.

The National Center for Wildlife has also highlighted the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting shorelines, providing habitats for marine and terrestrial wildlife and storing carbon.

Reaching the 100-million-tree target would represent another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to restore coastal ecosystems, preserve natural resources and strengthen the long-term environmental resilience of its Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines.