Egypt Completes Planting 50,000 Mangroves Along Red Sea Coast

The Egyptian government has completed a nearly 5-year project to plant 50,000 mangroves along the Red Sea coast. The initiative, launched in 2021, aims to restore mangrove forests and develop a nature-based model to protect coastlines from erosion and waves. The project, implemented by the American University in Cairo (AUC) in cooperation with HSBC, focuses on the Hamata and Safaga regions. The program is set to continue until the end of 2026.

The project has successfully restored approximately 15 hectares of degraded mangrove areas as of April 2026. The AUC has also planted 10,000 mangrove saplings to offset the carbon footprint generated by its delegation's travel to the COP27 conference in Charm Al-Cheikh. Mangroves play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, with a single tree capable of absorbing between 350 and 400 kg of CO2 during its lifetime.

The importance of mangroves extends beyond carbon absorption, as their roots help fix sediments, reduce wave impact, protect beaches, and enhance biodiversity in shallow coastal areas. The success of this project has prompted the Minister of Irrigation to instruct the Coastal Protection Authority to study extending mangrove cultivation to other areas along the Red Sea coast.

The estimated total carbon dioxide absorption capacity of the 50,000 planted mangroves could reach 17.5 to 20 thousand tons during their lifetime. Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems, storing large amounts of carbon in the soil, which can persist for extended periods. The AUC emphasizes the significance of these ecosystems in combating climate change.

The project aims to link environmental protection with economic benefits for local communities, rather than treating mangroves as a simple environmental solution. By creating a sustainable source of income for local residents, the initiative seeks to promote the long-term conservation of mangrove forests.

The Egyptian government is exploring the potential for mangroves as a nature-based solution for protecting coastal areas, rather than relying solely on traditional coastal protection methods. The goal is to determine the most suitable solution for each site, taking into account its unique characteristics.

The completion of the mangrove planting project marks a significant step towards enhancing environmental sustainability and resilience along Egypt's Red Sea coast. As the project continues until the end of 2026, its impact on the environment, local communities, and the country's efforts to combat climate change will be closely monitored.

Key points

• The project has restored approximately 15 hectares of degraded mangrove areas and planted 50,000 mangroves along the Red Sea coast.
• Mangroves can absorb between 350 and 400 kg of CO2 during their lifetime, with the potential to absorb 17.5 to 20 thousand tons of CO2 in total.
• The initiative aims to link environmental protection with economic benefits for local communities, promoting sustainable conservation of mangrove forests.