A Coastal Ecosystem
In this episode, we explore one of the most vital habitats along the Saudi coastline – the mangroves. Through the eyes of botanist Tarik AlAbbasi and his colleague Raian Alfaidi, we see how Red Sea Global (RSG) is working to restore and expand these powerful natural protectors.
“Mangrove trees fix CO₂ more than any other plant,” explains Tarik, RSG’s Senior Director of Environmental Programs. With 38 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to studying green ecosystems and believes the mangroves of The Red Sea are among the most extraordinary. “When you see the trees at the edge of the sea,” he says, “it’s an amazing view.”
Mangroves offer more than just beauty. They protect shorelines, serve as nurseries for marine life, and play a crucial role in combating climate change. RSG is investing heavily in restoring these forests, aiming to increase the destination’s net conservation benefit by 30% by 2040.
Supported by a nursery spanning 1 million m2, Red Sea Global has already planted more than 3 million mangrove trees across its destinations. These trees stabilize coastlines, support fisheries, filter pollutants, and store significantly more carbon than tropical rainforests.
We follow Tarik through RSG’s mangrove nursery, where seedlings are grown in the intertidal zone to build strength before being replanted. “This gives the plant power to face the waves,” he says, gently holding a seedling ready for transplant.
Rich mangrove forests are naturally occurring at The Red Sea.
Rich mangrove forests are naturally occurring at The Red Sea.
Mangroves protect shorelines, serve as nurseries for marine life, and play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Mangroves protect shorelines, serve as nurseries for marine life, and play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Red Sea Global has already planted more than 3 million mangrove trees across its destinations.
Red Sea Global has already planted more than 3 million mangrove trees across its destinations.
Seedlings are grown in the intertidal zone to build strength before being replanted.
Seedlings are grown in the intertidal zone to build strength before being replanted.
Restoring mangroves is helping rebuild the connection between local communities and the natural environment.
Restoring mangroves is helping rebuild the connection between local communities and the natural environment.
The local community supports Red Sea Global in its efforts to plant mangroves.
The local community supports Red Sea Global in its efforts to plant mangroves.
His colleague Raian checks the salinity, tidal flow, and soil depth before confirming the right location for planting. “More than 30 cm,” he says with a smile. “This is it.” Once ready, seedlings are moved to their final home in the wild, sometimes with the help of local volunteers.
This is not just an environmental program. It’s a community effort.
“We are creating a mangrove park to educate visitors,” says Tarik. “And the local community are very important in protection.” Raian, who is from the nearby town of Umluj, adds, “We’re so happy to have people from the region join us on this initiative.”
Restoring mangroves is helping rebuild the connection between local communities and the natural environment.
Tarik reflects, “The Red Sea is not only a destination. We are educating people to keep this environment safe – and to enhance it.”
"Mangrove trees fix CO₂ more than any plant."
"We’re so happy to have people from the region join us on this initiative."
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