Evaluation of the Mangrove Ecosystem in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

T he sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an urgent need to conserve these natural treasures and their benefits and services. Two species of mangroves grow in the Kingdom: Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata. This study aimed to evaluate the mangrove ecosystem in the Kingdom through a set of descriptive frameworks, in addition to using quantitative methods to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) to maintain the mangrove ecosystem’s benefits. The results showed that WTP averaged about 150 riyals ($40) per person. The most significant variables affecting WTP were monthly income, educational level, information about mangroves, previous visits to mangrove areas, and membership in an environmental society. This is consistent with economic logic regarding the positive relationships between these variables and WTP as a dependent variable. The study also found that gender, age, marital status, family size, and the nature of work were nonsignificant determinants of WTP. The study recommended that attention be paid to the economic valuation of the Kingdom’s ecosystem services through further research and studies to bridge this knowledge gap, which contributes to the protection of these ecosystems and raising awareness of their benefits and services.