International Mangroves Conservation And Restoration Conference Set For December 10 In Abu Dhabi

The inaugural International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC) is set to take place from 10-12 December at Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) under the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), this event will gather 468 specialists and over 96 speakers from 82 countries. The focus will be on bridging scientific advancements with practical mangrove restoration efforts.

Participants will engage in sessions that explore global best practices, community involvement, and innovative technologies for enhancing restoration. The conference aims to highlight key scientific studies on mangrove ecosystems and the best practices for rehabilitating these crucial habitats. It seeks to promote integrated efforts for conserving coastal systems and environmental habitats.

The three-day programme includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, field visits, and working sessions on recent innovations in mangrove restoration. It will cover integrated approaches to marine habitat restoration, habitat connectivity, and climate change adaptation. This event provides a unique opportunity for university students, researchers, NGOs, and country representatives to participate in a world-first gathering.

An exhibition and scientific poster session will underscore the community's role in restoring mangrove forests. Technological tools that aid rehabilitation will also be reviewed. The conference will showcase monitoring tools like the Global Mangrove Watch platform and modern rehabilitation techniques while focusing on engaging communities through interactive methods.

Youth-led initiatives aimed at restoring mangroves and establishing new coastal reserves will be discussed. These discussions will highlight funding opportunities for rehabilitation projects and long-term strategies. Sessions will address the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, the status of mangrove forests globally and regionally, and their importance in enhancing biodiversity.

Innovative applications for mangrove monitoring will be featured to reinforce the message of protecting these habitats through cooperation and knowledge exchange. The event emphasises tracking and documenting the success of restoration programmes as a critical component of conservation efforts.

Global Platform for Knowledge Sharing

This conference serves as a global platform for sharing knowledge among researchers and specialists worldwide. It aims to apply nature-based solutions to climate change using scientific knowledge and best practices from around the globe. By doing so, it hopes to enhance efforts in conserving mangrove ecosystems within the Arabian Peninsula.

The IMCRC is not only about sharing information but also about fostering collaboration among various stakeholders involved in mangrove conservation. By bringing together experts from different fields, it aims to create a comprehensive approach to tackling environmental challenges related to coastal systems.

The event's conclusion highlights its significance as a pioneering effort in promoting global awareness about mangrove conservation. By facilitating discussions on innovative solutions and strategies, it aims to inspire continued efforts towards preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.

With inputs from WAM