Mangrove honey production: The sixth season kicks off in the Eastern Province
The Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture officially launched the sixth season of the Mangrove Honey Production for 2026, with the participation of 54 Saudi beekeepers who have begun setting up their hives in six prime coastal locations. This pioneering step comes as part of ongoing efforts to support sustainable rural development and maximize the utilization of the unique environmental resources abundant in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Environmental and historical background of mangrove trees in the Eastern Region
Mangrove forests (or what are locally known as qarm trees) have been an integral part of the Arabian Peninsula's coastal ecosystem for hundreds of years. These forests are widespread along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, where they play a pivotal role as natural nurseries for marine life and natural barriers protecting beaches from erosion and soil degradation, in addition to their remarkable ability to absorb carbon and purify the air.
In recent years, in line with the Kingdom's modern environmental policies, these forests have received increasing attention through afforestation and rehabilitation projects. This has given rise to the idea of utilizing the mangrove flowering season to produce a unique organic honey, representing an ingenious combination of nature conservation and sustainable local economic development.
Economic and social benefits boost mangrove honey production
The Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's Eastern Province branch, Engineer Fahd Al-Hamzi, affirmed that this project represents a comprehensive national model that combines the preservation of coastal environmental resources with the stimulation of rural economic activity. Al-Hamzi noted that the increasing number of beekeepers participating in the sixth edition reflects the growing confidence in the initiative and its economic viability.
Mangrove honey is distinguished by its superior quality and unique therapeutic and nutritional properties, making it a luxury product in high demand and offering lucrative financial returns for beekeepers. This success contributes to strengthening the position of local products in national and regional markets, opening new horizons for export and international competition at both the regional and global levels.
Field operations and joint coordination to ensure product quality
For his part, Assistant Director General for Support and Empowerment, Waleed Al-Shuwaired, explained that the ministry's specialized teams have completed preparations for all field operations at the six targeted sites, which include: Saihat, Tarout, Dana Al-Rams, Safwa, Ras Tanura, and Jubail. These teams continue to directly supervise the bee colony placement process to ensure efficient production and bee health.
Al-Shuwaired added that these efforts are not limited to the production aspect only, but also contribute effectively to consolidating community awareness of the ecological value of mangrove trees and their role in protecting the coastal strip, while empowering young national cadres and providing them with the necessary expertise to market quality products that reflect the richness and diversity of the Saudi environment.
Saudi Vision 2030 and Environmental Sustainability
These ambitious initiatives and moves fall within the comprehensive strategy of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, which aims to translate the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 into reality. By expanding environmental sustainability and supporting agricultural and traditional professions, the Kingdom seeks to increase the rural sector's contribution to the GDP, achieve balanced food security, and present a globally exemplary model for green development in harmony with nature.
