Mangrove Blue Carbon Ecosystems in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has extensive coastlines, occurring both along the Saudi Gulf within the temperate zone, and along the Red Sea in the tropics and temperate zone. The prevailing conditions within these climatic zones greatly influences mangrove species distribution, growth form and density, with the tropical zone being optimal for mangrove growth. In the southern Red Sea within the tropical zone, two species of mangrove (Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata) occur, and their well-developed growth forms and higher density reflect the optimal growing conditions at that latitude. In the northern temperate areas of the Red Sea and along the entire Saudi Gulf coastline, only one species of mangrove persists which is A. marina. A. marina growing at these locations exhibits growth forms and density typical of mangrove habitats occurring at latitudinal extremes, such as low heights and sparse distribution. The remaining natural mangrove habitats along the Saudi Gulf coastline are now confined to isolated remnant patches within embayment’s, or on nearshore islands, with over 90% of Gulf mangrove habitats having been lost due to coastal development. Along the Red Sea coastline, mangrove habitats remain mostly unaffected by development, with camel grazing being the main threat. However as Red Sea coastal development increases, it’s imperative that the mangrove habitats are protected, and the country via the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification (NCVC) embarked on a major initiative to increase vegetation cover, including the protection of remnant mangroves within new national parks and the plantation of millions of new mangroves. The mangroves of Saudi Arabia are significant blue carbon ecosystems, sequestering and storing large volumes of carbon annually. These intertidal habitats provide climate change adaptation for the country, along with ecological, community and food security benefits. Carbon quantification and blue carbon project registration has commenced in Saudi Arabia, and with the country’s ambitious re-vegetation plans, mangroves and other blue carbon habitats are set to play an important role in assisting Saudi Arabia meet its carbon neutrality targets by 2060.