Abu Dhabi's EAD Joins Forces With TotalEnergies For Coastal Ecosystem Restoration

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and TotalEnergies are collaborating to conserve and restore coastal ecosystems, aligning with the Year of Sustainability and the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy. This initiative aims to mitigate climate change impacts through innovative restoration solutions.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary General, and Samir Oumer, President of TotalEnergies EP United Arab Emirates, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise this partnership. The project will involve researching, monitoring, and evaluating Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystems.

Advanced technology will play a crucial role in this initiative. ROOT models, which biomimic mangrove root systems, will be used to reduce beach erosion and enhance marine biodiversity by attracting invertebrates and fish. Drones and other technological advancements will also be employed to increase restoration success rates.

EAD plans to engage key stakeholders, including schools from the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), to raise awareness about the importance of preserving coastal habitats. This effort aims to cultivate future environmental leaders among students by enhancing their understanding of Blue Carbon ecosystems.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri highlighted the significance of this programme: "We are delighted to be partnering with TotalEnergies as we begin implementing a pioneering programme to preserve and rehabilitate coastal ecosystems." She emphasised that these ecosystems play a vital role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and supporting biodiversity.

Global Impact

The outcomes of this collaboration will contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: "Life under water." The results will be shared globally, helping EAD and TotalEnergies gain recognition in the international environmental community. An international conference on restoration will also be organised to showcase the project's achievements.

Samir Oumer stated: "The project will assess seasonal status and health of Abu Dhabi's coastal ecosystems, analysing carbon sequestration rates and developing restoration guidelines applicable to local and regional coastal ecosystems." He added that their commitment is illustrated by their innovative ROOT project for mangrove restoration.

Comprehensive Research

The project includes seasonal status assessments of coastal ecosystems using international best practices. It involves sampling and analysing carbon sequestration rates in Abu Dhabi’s coastal habitats. Restoration guidelines will be developed for various stakeholders, ensuring applicability to both local and regional Blue Carbon ecosystems.

This initiative underscores the importance of preserving threatened ecosystems like mangroves, seaweeds, and salt marshes. These habitats not only protect coasts but also offer social and economic benefits while supporting environmental well-being.

EAD and TotalEnergies aim to ensure that the project's impact extends beyond UAE borders through a documentary film showcasing their achievements. This comprehensive approach highlights their commitment to long-term environmental sustainability.

With inputs from WAM