Abu Dhabi Selected To Host The 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop In 2026

Abu Dhabi is set to host the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW) in 2026, marking a first for the Middle East. This announcement was made by the World Seagrass Association and the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Sea Grass Specialist Group on August 1, 2024. The ISBW, initiated in Japan in 1993, serves as a platform for global discussions on seagrass conservation.

The workshop aims to unite governments, scientists, and researchers to address seagrass issues worldwide. It also seeks to enhance knowledge and foster networks advocating for seagrass protection. The biennial event supports global research and promotes positive management outcomes for coastal environments. Abu Dhabi's selection underscores its commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), highlighted the significance of hosting the workshop. She stated, "For the first time in the region, Abu Dhabi has been selected to host the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop in 2026, further enhancing its pioneering role in the field of biodiversity conservation, and affirming our regional leadership position in coastal and marine research."

The UAE has enacted Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 to protect these vital ecosystems. Efforts are ongoing to restore and rehabilitate seagrasses due to their ecological importance. These plants play a crucial role in supporting diverse wildlife and providing essential ecosystem services.

Dr. Al Dhaheri also noted that seagrasses significantly mitigate climate change impacts by storing blue carbon. "Our ongoing research has shown that Abu Dhabi’s seagrass beds store as much as 52 tonnes of blue carbon per hectare," she explained. This highlights their role as nature-based solutions against climate change.

Future plans include expanding studies on seagrass resilience and adaptation to climate change within the region. Guidelines will be developed for restoring genetically diverse local species. These efforts align with sustainable development goals.

EAD's Role in Seagrass Research

Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of EAD's Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, emphasized EAD's dedication to seagrass conservation since 2001 through various survey methods. He stated that over 3,000 square kilometres of seagrass have been mapped in Abu Dhabi, accounting for more than 98% of the UAE’s total area.

The main concentrations are found around Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve and Al Yasat Marine Protected Area. Innovative solutions are being explored to enhance monitoring and restoration efforts using advanced technologies like sonars, cameras, sensors, and AI.

Biodiversity Support

Seagrasses support significant biodiversity in Abu Dhabi’s waters with three main habitat-forming species thriving across different sediment types and tidal zones. They provide habitats for over 3,000 dugongs—the world’s second-largest population—and more than 4,000 green turtles.

These meadows also serve as nurseries for commercially important fish species such as pearl oysters and shrimps while offering food and shelter for various marine organisms. Their resilience allows them to withstand extreme fluctuations in water temperatures.

Global Importance of Seagrasses

Seagrasses grow in shallow waters across six continents from tropical regions to temperate systems covering only 0.1% of ocean floors yet storing up to 18% of oceanic Blue Carbon—making them one of Earth’s most efficient carbon sinks.

This efficiency underscores their critical role globally despite occupying a small portion of marine environments compared with other ecosystems like coral reefs or mangroves which cover larger areas but store less carbon per unit area than seagrasses do.

With inputs from WAM