Environment Agency Abu Dhabi Collaborates With TotalEnergies On Seagrass Restoration Programme To Combat Climate Change

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and TotalEnergies have initiated a significant seagrass restoration programme under the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy. This initiative is crucial for preserving marine ecosystems in Abu Dhabi and enhancing its global leadership in nature-based solutions to climate change. The year-long project aims to establish best practices for restoring seagrass habitats, contributing to blue carbon systems' conservation and development.

Seagrass meadows are vital coastal ecosystems that absorb and store blue carbon in their tissues, roots, and soil. They play a key role in mitigating climate change effects while enhancing biodiversity. These meadows serve as natural habitats for various marine species, support sustainable fisheries, improve water quality, and promote ecotourism.

Abu Dhabi hosts three types of seagrass meadows covering 3,000 square kilometres. These areas support over 3,500 dugongs and 4,000 green sea turtles. Protecting these meadows is essential for the survival of these species. Notably, Abu Dhabi has the world's second-largest dugong population after Australia, which relies solely on seagrass for sustenance.

The project has successfully planted 10,000 square metres of seaweed capable of storing 52 tonnes of carbon. This storage is equivalent to 23 flights from Abu Dhabi to London. The initiative aligns with the "2030 Seagrass Breakthrough" of the UN Ocean Decade of Ocean Science. It uses ‘Halodule uninervis’, the most common seagrass species in the emirate, along with advanced technology for monitoring.

Since 1999, TotalEnergies has collaborated with EAD to protect Abu Dhabi’s ecosystems. Their efforts include supporting dugong conservation, safeguarding flamingo habitats, researching coastal resilience to climate change, and promoting biodiversity research at Al Wathba. A significant outcome is the dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit used in over 40 dugong and 80 seagrass range states.

Samir Oumer from TotalEnergies stated: "Our collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) reflects our deep commitment to marine biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. The dugong and seagrass restoration project is a cornerstone of this partnership, aiming to rehabilitate vital coastal habitats and ensure the long-term survival of dugong populations."

Future Initiatives

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi will host the 16th International Seagrass Biology Workshop (ISBW) and World Seagrass Congress in 2026. This event will be held for the first time in the Middle East. Announced by the World Seagrass Association (WSA) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it will gather governments, scientists, researchers, and specialists to discuss global seagrass issues.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri from EAD remarked: "Our seagrass restoration embodies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to conserving its natural heritage and addressing global environmental challenges." This collaboration with TotalEnergies strengthens joint efforts between public and private sectors to ensure a sustainable future for coastal ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM