In celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 28 July 2024, Red Sea Global, the developer behind the Red Sea and AMAALA regenerative tourism destinations, organised a significant mangrove planting event.
The initiative saw over 100 volunteers from the local community, along with representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and students from RSG’s English for Tourism programme, participate in the event, which was launched in partnership with Green Umluj, a local non-governmental organisation.
The importance of mangroves in tropical ecosystems
Mangroves are vital to coastal ecosystems, particularly in tropical regions. These unique trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and the soil beneath them. Remarkably, mangroves can sequester up to five to ten times more carbon than terrestrial forests, making them indispensable in mitigating climate change. Beyond carbon storage, mangroves provide critical habitat for a variety of marine and terrestrial species, support fisheries, protect shorelines from erosion, and filter pollutants from water.
Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at RSG, emphasised the environmental significance of mangroves, stating, “Mangrove trees are powerful tools for carbon sequestration, capable of absorbing up to 5-10 times more carbon than other plants. Establishing a sustainable mangrove ecosystem is a crucial part of our commitment to safeguard and enrich the natural environment of our destinations.”
Last year, RSG established the Red Sea Mangrove Nursery, a key component of its broader environmental strategy. To date, the initiative has successfully transplanted one million mangrove seedlings across various areas of its destinations. This year, the goal is to plant an additional two million seedlings, furthering the commitment to ecological restoration and conservation.
The recent planting event is part of RSG’s ‘From People to Planet’ program, which invites members of the local community, RSG partners, and visitors to participate in future environmental initiatives. The program underscores the collaborative spirit necessary for large-scale ecological projects. “Through meticulous site selection, we have achieved a remarkable survival rate of 99% among the transplanted mangroves across our destination areas,” noted Mr. Albasseet. “But beyond the brains needed to achieve this feat, it takes incredible people power. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the partners and local community members who have volunteered to help in our planting efforts to date. Our hope is that through our ‘From People to Planet’ program, others will support our environmental regeneration efforts.”
The Red Sea’s unique marine ecosystem
The Red Sea is renowned for its rich and diverse marine life, making it a critical area for conservation. Home to over 1,200 species of fish, of which around 10% are found nowhere else on Earth, the Red Sea’s coral reefs are among the most biodiverse in the world. The region also supports a range of other marine life, including dugongs, sea turtles, and various species of sharks and rays. Protecting the mangrove ecosystems that fringe these waters is vital for maintaining the health of the Red Sea’s marine habitats, as mangroves serve as nurseries for many marine species.
The Red Sea project continues to progress, with the first guests welcomed last year and three hotels now open. Regular domestic flights have been operating since September 2023, and international flights commenced in April 2024, including a twice-weekly route between The Red Sea and Dubai International. By 2030, the destination is planned to feature 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The development will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, food and beverage outlets, and leisure facilities, aiming to position The Red Sea as a premier global tourism destination.
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