Latest news with #Saudipedia
Arab News
6 days ago
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia is restoring its mangroves to fight climate change and boost tourism
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is scaling up efforts to protect and expand its mangrove forests — hailed as 'nature's super ecosystems' — as part of a push to restore coastal habitats, combat climate change, and diversify the Kingdom's tourism economy. As the world marks the UN-designated International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, new initiatives are building on earlier successes and harnessing cutting-edge technology, long-term planning, and private-sector collaboration. 'Mangrove forests are nature's super ecosystems — capable of storing large amounts of carbon, preventing coastal erosion, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating floods,' said Raed Al-Basseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global. Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that grow in the intertidal zones of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. They stabilize coastlines, trap pollutants, act as carbon sinks, and provide vital breeding grounds for marine life. Their dense roots protect against erosion and storm surges, while their branches shelter nesting birds, and marine species, such as shrimp, lay their eggs among their roots. Their leaves also serve as food for many other organisms. Today, two species dominate Saudi Arabia's mangrove zones: Rhizophora mucronata (Al-Qundil), found along the southern Red Sea coast, and Avicennia marina (Al-Qarm), which thrives on the Arabian Gulf and northern Red Sea shores. According to Saudipedia, Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 400 million mangrove trees, spread across 60 million square meters, with an average density of over 86,000 trees per hectare. • International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is marked every year on July 26. • Saudi Arabia aims to plant more than 100 million mangrove trees along its coastlines by the year 2030. • Red Sea Global has cultivated more than 3 million seedlings as part of its environmental restoration strategy. As part of the Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021 to support the Kingdom's sustainability goals and its net-zero emissions target by 2060, authorities have committed to planting more than 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. That is a fraction of the SGI's broader ambition to plant 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia in the coming decades, but mangroves are a priority given their powerful role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity. In 2023, a pilot mangrove restoration scheme began at Jeddah Islamic Port. Meanwhile, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is spearheading coastal planting projects in Jazan, Makkah, Tabuk, Madinah, Asir, and the Eastern Province, using nurseries and protective measures to ensure long-term survival. As of the 2021 mangrove conservation day, officials had already planted more than 14.6 million mangrove trees, in partnership with private and public sector entities. 'The cultivation and transplantation of mangrove trees is a highly technical process that demands detailed planning and precision,' said Al-Basseet. 'We carefully monitor tidal cycles to identify suitable low-tide periods and avoid windy conditions during planting.' Saudi Arabia's mangrove reforestation programs are increasingly powered by geographic information systems, drones, and satellite imagery, helping experts pinpoint ideal sites based on factors like sediment composition, salinity, and tidal movement. To protect young trees, conservation teams install fencing and even deploy camera traps to deter animals, such as camels, from grazing on the saplings. 'Mangrove regeneration is integral to our broader environmental sustainability strategy,' said Tariq Al-Abassi, senior director of environmental programs at RSG. 'By following a science-led approach, we ensure the long-term viability and regeneration of these ecosystems as a renewable natural asset.' Mangroves are among the most carbon-dense forests on Earth, locking away CO2 in both biomass and soil. They also reduce ocean acidification by moderating localized pH levels, helping buffer marine life against the effects of climate change. But their value is not only environmental. Mangroves support eco-tourism — such as kayaking, birdwatching, and nature tours — and provide ingredients used in cosmetics and dyes. Increasingly, they are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's vision to develop eco-friendly marine parks and coastal attractions that align with its economic diversification goals under Vision 2030. With rising global awareness around the importance of coastal ecosystems, Saudi Arabia's mangrove strategy positions the Kingdom not only as a regional conservation leader but as a global one. As Al-Basseet put it: 'They are among our most efficient natural tools for climate resilience.'
Arab News
22-02-2025
- General
- Arab News
A look into women's clothing during the First Saudi State
RIYADH: Throughout the First Saudi State, women's garments were signifiers of cultural identity and regional traditions. According to Saudipedia, women's clothing in the First Saudi State varied by region, influenced by local resources, climate and cultural traditions. Each area developed distinct styles, materials and designs that reflected its social customs and environment. In the central region, women often wore al-Mukhnaq, a sheer silk covering made of chiffon or tulle, sewn completely except for an opening for the face. Married women typically covered their heads with al-Ghadfah — a light tulle shawl also known as al-Munaykhel — or opted for al-Ghatwah, a black fabric that covered the entire face. Another common garment was the burqa, a face covering that left an opening for the eyes and was sometimes adorned with decorative elements. For outerwear, the abaya was a staple, made from coarse wool and designed in a rectangular cut that draped over the shoulders. Unlike modern abayas, it had no sleeves but included small hand openings at its ends. The term abaya was sometimes used interchangeably with bisht, a traditional cloak. 'Bisht Al-Barqa is one of the types of bishts used by men in the region. The people of the central region, Al-Aridh and Diriyah used to call the abaya a bisht, whether a man or a woman wore it,' Laila Al-Bassam, a traditional Arab costumes and textiles expert, told Arab News in a 2023 interview. The abaya had many variations, including the Qilani abaya, Ma'simah abaya, Dufat al-Mahoud abaya, Fisol abaya, and Murshidah abaya. Indoors, women commonly wore al-Maqta' or al-Daraa, long, wide garments with fitted sleeves that narrowed at the wrist. These dresses were often embroidered with gold and silver zari threads, sequins, or intricate patterns, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time. Saudipedia states that women in the eastern region favored garments made from fine fabrics such as silk and lightweight cotton. One of the most distinctive pieces was the al-Malf'a, a black rectangular fabric that was wrapped around the face and shoulders, sometimes secured with a metal piece known as al-Rubayi. This fabric varied in weight depending on the season, with lighter versions preferred in warmer months. The region was also known for its elaborate embroidery, with clothing often featuring intricate stitching and embellishments that reflected influences from nearby trade routes. In the western region, according to Saudipedia, women's attire reflected the area's connections to international markets, particularly through the Red Sea. Fabrics such as brocade, silk and velvet were popular among wealthier women, while cotton was more commonly worn for everyday use. Many garments were adorned with detailed embroidery, lacework, and zari threading, reflecting the cultural exchange between the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. The layering of garments was common, with women wearing multiple pieces to achieve a distinctive and elegant silhouette. In the southern region, the influence of the mountainous terrain and tribal traditions played a significant role in clothing styles. Women often wore garments made from thick, durable fabrics to protect against the colder temperatures of higher altitudes. Embroidery was a key feature, with intricate geometric patterns symbolizing tribal identity. The use of bold colors, particularly red and blue, was prevalent, adding vibrancy to the garments. In the northern region, the climate and Bedouin lifestyle influenced women's clothing choices. Practicality was emphasized, with garments designed for mobility and protection from harsh weather conditions. Women wore long, flowing robes made from wool or heavy cotton, often adorned with subtle embroidery. Head coverings were essential, with styles varying between tribes. The al-Shilah and al-Sayf were commonly worn as protection from the sun while maintaining modesty. Clothing not only served practical purposes but also conveyed 'social status, marital status and tribal affiliation,' according to Saudipedia. The diversity of styles across the regions reflected the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the time, with many traditional elements still influencing Saudi fashion today.
