The Arabian Gulf coastline features many mangrove-fringed inlets and bays that provide a critical habitat for birds and marine life. These forests also serve as the most significant natural CO2 sink in the Kingdom. With this ecosystem under pressure from development, we are working to preserve and protect this natural resource for future generations.
Accordingly, we have recently completed the development of our first mangrove eco-park in the Kingdom, protecting 64 km2 of marine habitats including mangrove forests, salt marshes and sea grasses – all important nurseries for fish and shrimp. This eco-park will help foster knowledge and appreciation of this fragile ecosystem, and consists of a visitor center, trails, and boardwalks, with various observation and education points. A portion of the park will be designated for research activities.
Elsewhere, Aramco has planted over 4.3 million mangrove trees at sites along the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea coasts, with support from thousands of company and community volunteers. Another 2 million mangrove seedlings are currently being planted in the city of Yanbu.