Sultan Al-Sughair

Saudi Gazette



RAS TANURA — Aramco Environmental Protection Department (EPD) called on participants of this year’s Saudi Aramco Professional Development Association (SAPDA) program to plant mangroves at Rahima bay  in order to increase awareness on the crucial role that mangroves play in marine environment.



More than 80 SAPDA participants, their trainers and EPD staff members headed out to the newly established Mangrove Eco Park near Ras Tanura to play this role. The Mangrove Eco Park is an initiative by Saudi Aramco to protect mangrove forests in the Eastern Province.



An EPD study that examined changes in mangrove habitats over the past 50 years revealed that more than 90 percent of the original mangrove trees in the Eastern Province have been lost as a result of coastal development, especially residential development. This trend has accelerated over the past few decades.



The study also indicated that the remaining healthy old growth mangrove forest mostly is in or adjacent to Saudi Aramco operating areas. Dr. Ronald Loughland, an environmental specialist at EPD, said that this is an artifact of the company’s presence in the region for 80 years.



He said, “Saudi Aramco’s presence in these areas has eliminated other non-compatible land uses such as land-filling. As a result, Saudi Aramco has now become the environmental stewards of these last important coastal habitats,”



SAPDA participants planted more than 200 mature mangrove seedlings that were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture as part of a collaborative arrangement between Saudi Aramco and the Ministry.



Loughland praised the efforts of the SAPDA participants, and said, “They were extremely passionate about participating with the plantation effort; the entire group had a great day, and everybody really was involved with the task at hand.”



EPD is undertaking a 1.5 million mangrove tree plantation initiative within the coastal areas of the Eastern Province over the next few years. Loughland said, “The success of this important initiative relies on cooperation between various departments, facilities, groups and communities within the company, as well as with other government organizations in the Kingdom.”



He added, “The recent results achieved collectively from participation from the SAPDA, EPD and the Ministry of Agriculture is just one example of many where cooperation is enabling Saudi Aramco to achieve this admirable task.”

Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader of EPD said that the Eco-Park would have a huge impact on environmental conservation. He said, “It will be open to visitors and will incorporate a boardwalk between mangrove trees, meaning everyone can live the experience firsthand.”



“The Eco-Park will cover an area of 62 sq. kms and be partially fenced and protected. Visitors will explore mangrove vegetation by strolling on a 1.5 km elevated boardwalk that takes them through the heart of the park,” he said.



Al-Abdulkader added, it will be an enlightening experience for visitors. “They will learn about nature and the environment, we are sure that after visiting the park they will leave with an understanding that they must play their part in preserving the environment.”



He said, “Nature lovers will be impressed by the Eco-Park’s proposed design and location, and it is set to become an environmental landmark in Kingdom.”



“The heritage of the local area will be reflected in the park — our goal is to make the park a natural addition to the local environment,” he added.