EAD And ENEC Collaborate On Project To Cultivate 500,000 Coral Reefs Around Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have joined forces to cultivate 500,000 coral reefs near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Al Dhafra. This initiative aligns with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision to grow four million coral colonies by 2030, enhancing marine biodiversity in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, stated, "This project represents an important step in the emirate’s efforts to protect marine ecosystems and support regional and global initiatives to conserve coral reefs through the application of best environmental practices and the promotion of specialised scientific research." The project will establish coral nurseries and monitor environmental conditions to ensure coral resilience against high temperatures.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group CEO at ENEC, emphasised ENEC's commitment to sustainability: "ENEC plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and ensuring energy security in the UAE through the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Preserving the marine environment and its natural resources is a top priority for the company." This collaboration aims to integrate sustainability into all operations while protecting marine resources.

The agreement was formalised during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. EAD will manage project phases and produce scientific reports, while ENEC will supply funding and resources. This partnership showcases a strategic alliance between EAD's expertise in marine conservation and ENEC's support, ensuring adherence to international standards.

EAD has been a leader in coral reef restoration since launching the Gulf's largest rehabilitation project in 2021 under H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The agency has successfully cultured over 1.45 million coral colonies using advanced nursery technologies designed to enhance corals' resilience against climate change.

The ongoing project aims for four million cultivated colonies by 2030, employing innovative methods that have already achieved a 95% survival rate post-summer and boosted fish biomass by 50%. These efforts are crucial for maintaining Abu Dhabi’s leadership in environmental innovation and resource protection for future generations.

This partnership not only strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in marine environment protection but also contributes significantly to enhancing coral reef resilience amid climate challenges. By combining their expertise, EAD and ENEC aim to achieve shared environmental goals that benefit both local ecosystems and broader conservation efforts.

With inputs from WAM