Arresting or reversing the degradation of ecosystems within the terrestrial, marine, and coastal regimes underpins many of Saudi Arabia’s plans for addressing climate change and increasing the diversity of socio-economic opportunities over the coming decades (i.e. giga projects). Managing the sustainable rehabilitation of degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems, or guiding their preservation and health, will deliver numerous social, economic, and environmental benefits. Likewise, an important aspect of adaptation and mitigation efforts will be to increase the resilience of ecosystems to ensure their ability to absorb climate related disturbances (e.g. mangroves as protection against sea-level rises and storm surges). Building upon existing KAUST strengths within the nexus of water, food, energy, and environment, this effort has the potential to provide significant and sustained impact in the Kingdom.