KBD provides specialized environmental services that support science-based coastal ecosystem management across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Our Coastal Ecosystem Management and Restoration practice focuses on protecting and enhancing Blue Carbon ecosystems through mapping and survey of coastal habitats, R&D, and restoration projects.
We work closely with stakeholders across sectors to improve ecosystem health and guide resource conservation in KSA’s coastal zone, delivering projects that range from early-stage research to full restoration implementation.
KBD delivers a portfolio of programmes, including:
Our mangrove planting pilot at two northern Red Sea sites tests the viability of using nursery-reared Avicennia marina seedlings to establish self-sustaining, healthy stands of mangroves. The study informs broader coastal zone and biodiversity management and explores how mangroves may be used in nature-based solutions.
Within the Royal Reserve, our teams deliver studies that map habitat distribution, assess ecological condition, and monitor changes in blue carbon coastal systems to support conservation planning.
This 4,500 km² marine area—spanning 170 km of coastline—hosts interconnected seagrass, coral reef, and mangrove habitats. Since 2023, KBD has provided specialist ecological services to improve understanding of the Reserve’s unique biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Specialist assessments include seagrass and coral reef health, Blue Carbon stock assessments, evaluating livestock management impacts on mangrove recovery, developing habitat restoration strategies, and investigating ecological connectivity between critical coastal habitats.
KBD is also delivering an R&D programme assessing whether vegetative cuttings can support large-scale mangrove afforestation and habitat restoration, addressing potential seed shortages. This work is undertaken with KAUST academic experts to create meaningful, science-based solutions for partners.
These programmes provide the evidence needed to design effective restoration projects, strengthen biodiversity management, and expand Blue Carbon habitats in Saudi Arabia.
Our mangrove R&D—both nursery-reared seedlings and vegetative cuttings—helps determine feasible pathways for scaling restoration in the far north of the Red Sea.
Our surveys and monitoring efforts support long-term conservation planning, improve understanding of ecological condition across seagrass, coral reef, and mangrove systems, and guide strategies that enhance coastal resilience.
Healthy mangroves and coastal ecosystems are essential for shoreline protection, biodiversity, and long-term Blue Carbon storage. By testing new propagation methods, improving habitat mapping, and piloting restoration at priority sites, this programme generates the evidence needed to scale effective nature-based solutions across the Kingdom.
Science-based data to design effective coastal restoration and Blue Carbon projects.
Scalable Mangrove SolutionsR&D identifies practical pathways for large-scale mangrove restoration in the northern Red Sea.
Stronger Coastal ResilienceMonitoring and habitat assessments guide long-term conservation across mangrove, seagrass, and reef systems.
With a multidisciplinary team of over 150 professionals KBD combines local talent with global experts under one roof. Our mission is to drive transformative change and help achieve the nation’s Vision 2030 by providing strategic, science-backed solutions.
