Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Embassy of the Philippines Celebrate 50 Years of Bilateral Relations with Mangrove Planting Event at Jubail
As part of Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative,
In line with the Year of Community and to celebrate 50 years of strong bilateral relations between the UAE and the Philippines and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines came together on 28 January to plant 50 mangrove seedlings at Jubail Mangrove Park. This symbolic event highlights the shared commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability and fostering a greener future.
As part of Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), the event was attended by H.E. Alfonso Ver, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the UAE, Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, and Engineer Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, General Manager of Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC). The active involvement of multiple stakeholders underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges and promoting biodiversity conservation.
As part of the event, attendees were given a guided tour of Jubail Mangrove Park, allowing them to appreciate its ecological significance and natural beauty, while further strengthening the bonds between the two nations and emphasising the importance of preserving marine and coastal ecosystems.
Ahmed Al Hashemi said: 'This significant milestone celebrates 50 years of deep and enduring relations between the UAE and the Republic of the Philippines, a testament to the mutual respect, cooperation, and shared values that have flourished between our nations. Beyond commemorating our diplomatic history, this event underscores our collective commitment to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges of our time, particularly sustainability and environmental preservation.'
He added: 'Planting mangroves is more than just a symbolic act; it is a transformative step toward safeguarding the planet's future. Mangroves are vital ecosystems that not only absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, but also support rich biodiversity by providing habitats for countless marine and terrestrial species. Moreover, they act as natural barriers, shielding coastal communities from erosion, rising sea levels, and the devastating impacts of storms and extreme weather events.'
He elaborated: 'By coming together in this initiative, we demonstrate the power of international partnerships in driving meaningful change. This collaboration is a reminder that environmental stewardship transcends borders, requiring collective effort and shared responsibility. Through initiatives like this, we pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future, ensuring that the legacy we leave behind is one of resilience, harmony, and hope for generations to come.'
H.E. Alfonso Ver on the occasion said: 'People's needs, such as food and energy, are deeply rooted in and actually taken from natural resources, which are directly affected by climate change. With the way natural resources are being utilized and consumed now, there is really a need to emphasize and advocate for the protection and development of our natural resources, particularly the mangroves. The Philippines is one of the countries that is also home to mangroves, which is now viewed as an efficient and excellent source of renewable energy, due to the naturally occurring factors in the ecosystems which they create.'
He added: 'The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi is truly honored to have this collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UAE. The Philippines shares the UAE's commitment to protecting the environment, as it celebrates 50 years of strong relations-as strong as the mangroves-with the UAE, which will last for another 50 years and beyond.'
'We are honored to host this meaningful mangrove planting initiative with the Philippine Ambassador at Jubail Mangrove Park,' said Engineer Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, General Manager of JIIC. 'This natural sanctuary embodies our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. Mangroves are not only a vital part of our ecosystem but also a powerful symbol of resilience and growth, much like the strong and enduring relationship between the UAE and the Philippines. This symbolic act of planting mangroves signifies our shared dedication to environmental stewardship and our collective hope for a sustainable future.'
The initiative serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the UAE and the Philippines and their collective efforts to protect the planet for future generations.
About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
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