EAD Plants 850,000 Mangroves In Abu Dhabi For COP28 Visitors

In a significant stride towards environmental conservation and climate action, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully planted 850,000 mangrove trees across Abu Dhabi’s coastal areas. This initiative is part of the Ghars Al Emarat (UAE Planting) project, which aims to plant 10 mangroves for every attendee of COP28, held from 30th November to 12th December 2023, at Expo City Dubai. The locations chosen for planting, including Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, Al Mirfa City, and Jubail Island, were selected for their optimal growth conditions. These newly planted mangroves are expected to absorb approximately 170 tonnes of carbon annually from the atmosphere.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD’s Board of Directors, the initiative was announced during COP28. It underscores the UAE's dedication to achieving climate neutrality and employing nature-based solutions to combat climate change effects. Innovative methods such as drone seeding have been utilized to ensure the efficient planting of mangroves.

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Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary-General, highlighted that this initiative builds upon efforts initiated in the 1970s under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed. His vision laid the foundation for Abu Dhabi’s leadership in mangrove rehabilitation, recognizing their critical role in supporting biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Today, Abu Dhabi boasts the largest mangrove areas in the UAE, with ongoing science-based restoration efforts.

Dr. Al Dhaheri further emphasized the environmental and economic significance of mangroves. These ecosystems are capable of absorbing up to four times more carbon than Amazon rainforest trees. EAD studies have shown that mangrove trees in Abu Dhabi can store carbon at a rate of 0.5 tonnes per hectare per year, equating to an annual carbon storage capacity of 8,750 tonnes across the emirate.

The Ghars Al Emarat Initiative aligns with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and supports the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative launched in February 2022. This initiative aims to develop innovative planting solutions and raise awareness about the importance of mangroves. It also positions Abu Dhabi as a leading center for mangrove conservation research and innovation.

This initiative also contributes to achieving the 13th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on Climate Action, which calls for urgent measures against climate change and its impacts. It complements national initiatives like the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and aligns with the goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.

Mangroves cover approximately 176 square kilometres across Abu Dhabi Emirate, storing over three million tonnes of carbon. This includes both natural and planted trees, with natural mangroves storing 2,441,600 tonnes of carbon and planted trees storing 676,480 tonnes. By enhancing and restoring these ecosystems, EAD not only contributes to mitigating climate change but also strengthens coastal resilience against storms and erosion, thereby protecting communities and infrastructure along the coast.

The concerted efforts by EAD exemplify a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Through initiatives like Ghars Al Emarat, Abu Dhabi continues to lead in harnessing nature-based solutions for a more resilient future.

With inputs from WAM