Miracle on the Edge of the Desert: Saudi Arabia's Mangrove Forests

Mangrove forests stand as one of the world's most vital ecological assets, offering a multi-faceted defense system for both humanity and the environment. They are essential for preserving biodiversity and serve as critical sanctuaries for over 4.1 million small-scale fishers globally. These coastal guardians shield shorelines from devastating storms and floods, contributing to the prevention of an estimated $65 billion in real estate losses and safeguarding approximately 15 million people worldwide.

Beyond their protective role, mangroves are champions of carbon sequestration. They are among the planet's most efficient ecosystems for locking away atmospheric CO2, storing a staggering 22.86 billion tons, primarily as "blue carbon" in their soil. This makes them an indispensable natural ally in the global battle against climate change. However, they are under increasing threat from agricultural land conversion, unsustainable resource extraction, and pollution, which has led to a global loss of nearly 30% over the past four decades.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has sounded the alarm on the critical state of these forests, noting that only 42% are currently under formal protection. In a powerful display of global commitment, 71 nations have incorporated nature-based solutions for marine and coastal systems into their climate action plans under the Paris Agreement. This aligns perfectly with Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve marine ecosystems and fortify coastal communities against climate impacts. Since 1996, the Global Mangrove Alliance has spearheaded efforts to halt the decline of these forests, with global initiatives like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration reinforcing their crucial role in climate adaptation and planetary health.

In a striking ecological transformation, Saudi Arabia is rewriting its environmental story. For decades, the Kingdom was defined by its desert landscapes and oil reserves. Today, it is unveiling a vibrant, green coastal identity, where mangroves serve as a living bulwark against climate change, coastal erosion, and the loss of biodiversity.

Mangroves are natural powerhouses, storing four times more carbon than their terrestrial forest counterparts due to their deep, organic-rich soil. Along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, these forests provide a vital foundation for stable coastal ecosystems and act as rich nurseries for marine life. They are considered the world's most effective blue carbon sinks, thanks to their unique ability to absorb CO2 through a combination of organic sediment and carbonate dissolution processes, making them a strategic asset in the global climate fight.

Recent findings by a team of scientists in collaboration with the Global Mangrove Alliance reveal that Saudi Arabia’s mangroves sequester approximately 6.23 gigatons of carbon in their soil and biomass, solidifying their status as a frontline defense against climate change. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these forests are natural nurseries and safe havens for juvenile fish and crustaceans, significantly boosting the productivity of coastal fisheries. They are also biodiversity hotspots and prime locations for birdwatching, particularly for migratory species seeking rest and nourishment. Mangrove forests offer unique recreational escapes, blending lush greenery with the calming sea breeze—a perfect example is the Aramco Mangrove Ecological Park in Ras Tanura, which models community engagement and environmental education. The National Center for Wildlife Development plays a pivotal role in protecting species within this ecosystem, from coastal birds to marine invertebrates, through precise scientific programs aligned with the Kingdom's robust conservation principles.

These vital ecosystems face escalating threats. Between 2000 and 2020, the world lost an estimated 284,000 hectares of mangroves to coastal development, pollution, and overgrazing. In the Red Sea region alone, over 70% have been degraded by uncontrolled grazing, construction, and sewage discharge, exposing both nature and nearby coastal communities to grave environmental risks.

To confront these challenges head-on, the Kingdom has launched a monumental initiative to restore its mangrove forests, spearheaded by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. Since 2020, over 37 million mangrove seedlings have been planted, with an ambitious target of 100 million by 2030. These efforts focus on native species uniquely adapted to the Kingdom's coastal environment, achieving survival rates exceeding 90% in key planting sites across Tabuk, Jazan, Umluj, and the Eastern Province. 

This green transformation is more than an environmental success—it's an economic catalyst. In 2023, Saudi beekeepers successfully harvested six tons of rare mangrove honey from over 47,000 beehives. This organic honey received international acclaim, winning a gold medal at the Paris International Honey Awards. To bolster sustainable rural livelihoods, the "Saudi Rural Program," a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the FAO, has provided specialized training in organic honey production for over 114 beekeepers. This signals a growing commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and opens new economic pathways, empowering youth, women, and entrepreneurs with nature-based projects that invigorate coastal economies.

The Kingdom’s mangrove restoration is not merely a local achievement; it is a global blueprint for rehabilitating coastal ecosystems in arid regions. Backed by national leadership and leveraging the technical expertise of partners like the FAO, this initiative is a direct embodiment of Saudi Vision 2030 and a powerful step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The core message of these efforts is a profound vision for a more sustainable future: "When we restore nature, we rebuild our future." Through this green revolution, the Kingdom is not just protecting its environment; it's empowering its communities and cultivating hope for a more resilient world capable of adapting to environmental challenges.

By: Dr. Nizar Haddad

FAO Programme Director – Saudi Arabia