National Center for Vegetation Cover and King Abdulaziz University Launch Mangrove Conservation Initiatives

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at King Abdulaziz University, has launched the Green Shores Initiative, including the planting of 20,000 mangrove seedlings, to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on 26 July.

Professor Khalid Asiri, Chair of the Department of Agriculture at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, welcomed the collaboration with the NCVC and the introduction of a series of initiatives. These include planting 20,000 mangrove seedlings by volunteer teams at designated sites, introducing the Green Shores Initiative and its implementation roadmap, announcing awards for the Best Research Paper and Best Scientific Poster on mangrove forests and their ecosystems, and launching photography and visual arts competitions that highlight the ecological significance of mangrove forests.

The initiatives underscore the environmental, economic, and research value of mangrove forests while supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by conserving natural resources and advancing environmental sustainability. They also emphasize the vital role of mangroves in protecting coastlines, enhancing biodiversity, supporting local economies through sustainable environmental and ecotourism initiatives, and raising public awareness of the importance of preserving these unique coastal ecosystems.

The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification oversees mangrove forests across the Kingdom and is responsible for their protection and rehabilitation. Through a range of programs, projects, and initiatives, including seedling cultivation, coastal protection, and environmental monitoring, the Center works to ensure the long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems while contributing to combating desertification, expanding coastal vegetation cover, and conserving the Kingdom’s natural resources.