Jeddah/Riyadh, July 29: Saudi Arabia’s mangrove forests are emerging as a key component of the Kingdom environmental conservation strategy, with scientists highlighting their role in carbon storage, biodiversity conservation and coastal protection as the country accelerates restoration efforts under the Saudi Green Initiative.
Researchers said mangroves are among the world’s most efficient natural carbon sinks, storing large amounts of “blue carbon” in their roots, sediments and surrounding coastal mud. Besides capturing carbon dioxide, the ecosystems provide nursery habitats for fish, crabs, shrimp and other marine life, reduce coastal erosion, stabilize shorelines and connect vital ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Scientists from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) said the ecological importance of mangroves extends below the surface, where microorganisms around the roots play a critical role in recycling nutrients, storing carbon, supporting plant health and enhancing resilience against disease.
Saudi Arabia’s mangrove forests are dominated by the gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) and the red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata), both adapted to survive in high salinity, extreme heat, nutrient poor waters and limited rainfall. Researchers described Avicennia marina as one of the most resilient mangrove species, capable of thriving in some of the harshest coastal environments.
While mangroves along the Red Sea have shown strong resilience scientists warned that coastal development, land reclamation, sewage pollution, dredging and disruption of natural tidal flow remain major threats. Grazing by camels also affects the regeneration of young mangrove seedlings in some areas.
Experts stressed that successful restoration requires more than planting trees. They said long term monitoring of seedling survival, root development, sediment stability, tidal exchange, biodiversity recovery and carbon accumulation is essential to create self-sustaining ecosystems.
KAUST researchers are also using DNA analysis, metagenomics, microbiome engineering, artificial intelligence, drones and satellite monitoring to study mangrove health and improve restoration efforts. Their research has identified microorganisms capable of degrading plastics and breaking down hydrocarbons in polluted coastal sediments while also developing beneficial microbes to strengthen mangrove seedlings.
Under the Saudi Green Initiative the Kingdom aims to plant more than 100 million mangrove trees by 2030 and protect 30 per cent of its marine and coastal areas by the end of the decade. Authorities have reported planting more than 37 million mangrove trees and protecting about 6,700 square kilometres of Red Sea coastline. Other organisations, including Aramco, Red Sea Global and the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, are also undertaking large scale mangrove restoration projects across the country.
Researchers said the long term success of these initiatives will depend on restoring fully functional mangrove ecosystems that can continue storing carbon, supporting marine biodiversity and protecting coastlines against climate related impacts.