A Breathing Land Initiative: Planting 10,000 mangroves and establishing a park in Saihat
The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, in partnership with the Al-Saman Environmental Society, launched Breathing Land" initiative to plant 10,000 mangrove seedlings on Darin Island and Tarout Island in the Eastern Province. This strategic step directly supports the objectives of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and protect local coastlines from erosion through sustainable, natural solutions.
Community collaboration to ensure the success of the "Land That Breathes" initiative on the ground
The coasts of Darin Island and Tarout witnessed a remarkable community collaboration on Wednesday morning, April 22, 2026. Dozens of volunteers from various age groups flocked to participate actively in planting mangrove seedlings precisely within the tidal clay areas designated for cultivation.
Engineer Yousef Al-Maqahwi, Director of the Afforestation Department at the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, explained that this diligent field work represents a fundamental pillar in the Kingdom’s strategy to expand the area of coastal vegetation cover and achieve the desired environmental balance in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The historical and environmental importance of mangrove trees in the Arabian Gulf
Mangrove forests are an integral part of the historical ecosystem of the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula coasts. Over the decades, these trees have formed a natural barrier protecting the beaches from erosion and strong waves, as well as being a rich natural and historical habitat for many marine organisms and migratory birds.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al-Saman Environmental Society, Majid Al-Duwaish, explained that the choice of the event's location on Darin Island and Tarout was based on precise scientific studies conducted by the National Center for Vegetation Development, given the historically and geographically suitable natural environment for the growth and flourishing of mangrove trees. Al-Duwaish pointed out that a single mangrove seedling has the equivalent capacity to absorb carbon and purify the air of approximately ten other wild tree seedlings, making it a highly effective environmental tool.
A marine park in Saihat and promising environmental prospects
Current environmental efforts extend beyond planting seedlings to include promising future projects with significant local and regional impact. Engineer Yousef Al-Maqahwi unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a comprehensive "land and sea park" in Saihat, in collaboration with the Eastern Province Municipality and strategic partners. This project will directly contribute to improving the quality of life, eliminating visual pollution, and providing a unique natural and tourist destination for residents and visitors alike.
Al-Maqahwi also announced upcoming future aquaculture projects on Ras Abu Ali Island, confirming the Kingdom’s seriousness in restoring coastal ecosystems and expanding its regional scope to be a model to be emulated in protecting the marine environment at the level of the Middle East.
Volunteer work as a cornerstone of sustainable development
For his part, Dr. Khalid Al-Rahimi emphasized the crucial importance of comprehensive volunteer work in ensuring the success of such national initiatives. He explained that protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of government agencies, but rather a national duty requiring the participation of all segments of society, including its private and non-profit organizations.
Al-Rahimi added that the mangrove plant has an exceptional ability to pump oxygen at rates that are ten times higher than ordinary trees, stressing the commitment of the private sector and partners to continue their national role in supporting afforestation operations, whether in desert areas or along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, to ensure a sustainable environmental future for future generations.
