UAE leading global mangrove conservation efforts

Al Etihad

26-07-2025

26 July 2025 15:30
SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)Through its efforts to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, the UAE is leading global initiatives to protect and preserve mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are critical to biodiversity, carbon capture, and the protection of coastal communities across the world.On the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem - marked annually on July 26 - key Abu Dhabi entities highlighted programmes designed to protect and expand mangrove habitats in the UAE.Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), reflected on Abu Dhabi's holistic approach toward mangrove conservation, through which science, innovation, and community come together to protect the emirate's coasts and climate.She said: 'Conserving mangroves is not solely for experts. It's a collective responsibility we all share. Here in Abu Dhabi, we're committed to community engagement in every step of preserving and restoring these crucial coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are deeply rooted in our past, present, and future, and they're a natural legacy we'll always protect.'On this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening conservation, reconnecting our marine environments, and fostering a sustainable bond between humanity and nature.'The UAE is home to 60 million mangroves that form forests spanning 183 square kilometres, and annually capture 43,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi itself houses 17,600 hectares of mangrove forests, with more than 44 million trees – known locally as 'gurm' - planted since 2020, according to the EAD.In April, the EAD hosted Mangrove Week 2025, which saw the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announcing the results of the first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems. The report sounded the alarm on 50% of global mangrove ecosystems that were at risk of collapse.As part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, the EAD has already spearheaded the planting of mangroves over the last two years. In 2023 alone, the authority distributed over 6 million Avicennia marina seeds using special autonomous drones.The EAD has also developed AI-powered drones through an innovative partnership with Nabat, a new climate tech venture by the Advanced Technology Research Council's commercialisation arm, VentureOne. Mubadala Energy also reiterated on the occasion the company's pledge to plant 700,000 mangroves by 2030.'This International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, we're proud to reaffirm our long-term commitment to nature and climate action. With a pledge to plant 700,000 mangroves by 2030 using drone technology, we're helping restore ecosystems, [helping] capture carbon, supporting biodiversity, and engaging our people and communities in these efforts,' the company announced on its social media platforms.Mubadala Energy has already planted 22 plants in Abu Dhabi's Al Hameem area, with mangrove saplings reaching an average height of 21 centimetres.Mangrove forests cover about 0.1% of the planet's surface, but can store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests.Following reports that mangrove ecosystems – which support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and act as a natural defence against coastal storms – are disappearing three to five times faster than global terrestrial forests, mangrove conservation became a focal point for the United Nations.
In 2015, UNESCO designated July 26 as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and promote their sustainable conservation.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi