UAE Commends Collaborative Efforts In Ambitious 100 Million Mangroves Planting Initiative

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) celebrated the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem by honouring key partners in its National Carbon Sequestration Project. This initiative aims to plant 100 million mangroves across the UAE by 2030. The ceremony took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, attended by Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary of Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector, along with representatives from various government entities and the private sector.

Dr. Al Hammadi praised all partners for their contributions to expanding mangrove cover using advanced technologies and sustainable practices. He stated, "The 100 million mangroves initiative is a multipronged project that exemplifies the power of cooperation. Together, we are united in a national mission to confront climate change by embracing nature-based solutions to enhance biodiversity conservation, protect the marine and coastal environment, and ensure its sustainability for future generations. Through these efforts, we are contributing to achieving Net Zero by 2050, and fostering climate and environmental sustainability."

Mangroves serve as natural carbon sinks and are crucial for protecting coastal ecosystems in the UAE. The event highlighted MOCCAE's appreciation for collaborative efforts towards this national project, reflecting the UAE’s dedication to addressing climate change through nature-based solutions.

The UAE announced its ambitious goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030 during COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. At COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022, the UAE launched the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) with Indonesia. This alliance now includes 43 countries committed to expanding mangroves as a vital solution to combat climate change.

The UNESCO established the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26th July 2015 to raise awareness about mangrove forests' importance in environmental protection and coastal ecosystem sustainability. The UAE is actively working with international partners to promote mangrove restoration efforts globally.

Recently, the UAE laid the foundation stone for the Mohamed bin Zayed-Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre on Bali island in collaboration with Indonesia. Supported by a US$10 million investment from the UAE, this centre aims to bolster global efforts in developing mangroves as essential nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation.

Honouring Collaborative Efforts

During the ceremony, MOCCAE honoured representatives from federal and local government entities, private sector companies, and non-profit organisations involved in developing and restoring mangroves. This recognition underscores their significant role in advancing this national initiative.

Dr. Al Hammadi emphasised stronger cooperation with partners to accelerate progress towards planting 100 million mangroves by 2030. He added, "We are honoured to collaborate with all of you on reaching this crucial national target. In the next phase, we aim to significantly accelerate our progress to ensure timely completion. With even stronger cooperation and coordination with our partners, we have full confidence that we will succeed."

This initiative not only contributes to achieving Net Zero by 2050 but also fosters climate and environmental sustainability for future generations.

With inputs from WAM