Red Mangrove Restoration At Al Wajh Lagoon Reaches 5,000 Seedlings

Red Sea Global announced that more than 5,000 seedlings of the rare red mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata have been planted in Al Wajh Lagoon, in what is described as the largest restoration initiative of its kind. The selected site contains the densest known grouping of these trees at the far northern end of their global range, giving the work notable scientific and ecological value.

These red mangroves, known locally as "Qandal," function as a key support system for the Red Sea coast. The trees shield shorelines from erosion, create nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans, and lock away large amounts of carbon. Their natural ability to store carbon is higher than that of many land-based forests.

The Al Wajh Lagoon planting forms part of a broader Red Sea Global restoration programme that also focuses on grey mangroves, or Avicennia marina. The company reports that more than three million grey mangrove seedlings have already been established, from a planned total of six million, placing the effort among the significant environmental rehabilitation schemes in the region by scale.

Alongside ecological work, Red Sea Global continues to open tourism destinations on the Saudi Red Sea coast. The Red Sea destination is currently receiving guests at nine luxury resorts, together with the Thuwal Private Retreat. The AMAALA project at Triple Bay is scheduled to debut six high-end resorts and facilities such as a Yacht Club, a Marine Life Institute, and a Marina Village.

Red mangroves differ from grey mangroves in how sensitive they are to their surroundings. Rhizophora mucronata needs very specific salinity levels, predictable tidal movement, and stable temperatures to grow well. These strict requirements make the restoration work more complex, particularly at the northern limit of the species’ known distribution, where conditions can shift.

Despite these challenges, Red Sea Global reported a seedling survival rate of 97 percent at Al Wajh Lagoon. The team attributes this to methods developed in-house, including refined sediment stabilisation techniques and careful control of water movement around the young trees. These measures were designed to protect roots, prevent washout, and support early growth.

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Red Sea Global red mangroves initiative and expert perspectives

Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global Raed Albasseet said: "Red Sea Global’s success in restoring red mangroves at this scale is not merely a number added to its records, but a scientific accomplishment credited to both the Kingdom and the company. Given the precise environmental conditions required for this species to thrive, its restoration signifies the recovery of balance within sensitive ecosystems. Today, we are laying a cornerstone for a more sustainable environmental future that will deliver direct benefits to communities along the Red Sea and strengthen our natural heritage for generations to come."

Group Head of Environmental Sustainability at Red Sea Global Rashid AlHatilah added that the project also carries symbolic weight for the Red Sea coast. AlHatilah stated: "Qandal trees represent a rare ecological treasure along our coastline. What we have accomplished in Al Wajh Lagoon stands as practical proof of our ability to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for growth and regeneration. This step marks only the beginning of an ambitious journey aimed at protecting these unique natural ecosystems and revitalizing wildlife across our destinations."

By linking large-scale mangrove planting with long-term tourism development, Red Sea Global presents the Al Wajh Lagoon work as a central element of its environmental commitments. The organisation frames the 5,000 red mangrove seedlings, together with millions of grey mangroves, as part of a continuing effort to protect coastal habitats, support marine life, and maintain the Red Sea’s natural character for future visitors and nearby communities.

With inputs from SPA