Planting 400,000 smart mangrove trees in Rabigh to support a green Saudi Arabia
In a significant step that reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts towards environmental sustainability, the Governor of Rabigh launched an ambitious initiative to plant 400,000 smart mangrove trees along the governorate's beaches. This event was held in strategic cooperation with the Makkah Region branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the regional branch of the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, and was attended by prominent leaders including the Director General of the Ministry branch, Engineer Waleed Al-Dughais, and the Director General of the Center branch, Adel Al-Tayari.
Smart technologies to enhance the Saudi Green Initiative
This initiative is distinguished by its adoption of a pioneering model for smart afforestation, where the process goes beyond traditional planting to include advanced mechanisms for measuring environmental impact and enhancing transparency in monitoring growth rates and carbon absorption. This step comes as an integral part of the objectives of the "Saudi Green Initiative" launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom in the coming decades, reflecting the Kingdom's serious commitment to combating climate change.
The importance of mangroves: blue carbon treasures
The selection of mangrove trees for this project is a strategic choice based on sound scientific and environmental principles. Mangrove forests are globally recognized as a major source of "blue carbon," possessing a remarkable capacity to absorb and store carbon, far exceeding that of tropical forests. In addition to their role in purifying the air, these trees form a natural defense against coastal erosion and provide vital habitats for marine life, thus contributing to the enhancement of biodiversity in the Red Sea.
An integrated partnership to achieve Vision 2030
This initiative is being implemented in active partnership with the private sector, embodying an integrated model that reflects the spirit of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors. This cooperation aims to support the national drive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 through sustainable projects with a tangible impact. Planting 400,000 trees in Rabigh is not just a number; it is a fundamental building block in creating a green future that ensures a high quality of life for future generations and positions the Kingdom among the leading nations in climate action.
