Northern Red Sea region: Inhabitants called upon to step up participation in preservation of Mangrove tree

The Administration of the Northern Red Sea region called on the inhabitants to step up participation in endeavors towards preservation of Mangrove tree which is believed to be vital in maintaining marine biodiversity. Massawa, 4 September, 2012 – The Administration of the Northern Red Sea region called on the inhabitants to step up participation in endeavors towards preservation of Mangrove tree which is believed to be vital in maintaining marine biodiversity. It further disclosed that a joint venture has been launched to establish Mangrove enclosures along the coastline with the collaboration of the Ministry of Marine Resources.

Mr. Tekie Tewolde, director general of Economic Development Department in the regional Administration, pointed out that the plantation of Mangrove would continue vis-à-vis endeavors to raise popular awareness regarding the tree. Interventions made in the areas where the tree was endangered due to imprudent utilization have shown positive outcome, he added.

Reports concerning a project launched under the umbrella of the Ministry of Marine Resources indicated that around 2 million Mangrove trees planted in a total of 7 hectares along Hawakil, Marsa-Ibrahim and other areas have flourished well, and that around 15% of the country’s total coastline has already been covered by the tree.

Stating that the tree is also of significant importance as regards improving people’s livelihood, Mr. Tekie called on the inhabitants along the coastline of the region to develop a sense of ownership for the tree, and thereby play a leading role in its preservation.