Abu Dhabi’s Mangrove Restoration Initiative Has Planted 800,000 Trees
Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental conservation has reached new heights with the successful planting of over 800,000 mangroves along its coastlines. This monumental effort is part of an initiative aimed at planting 10 mangroves for each attendee of the Cop28 climate change summit held last year.
Cop28, hosted from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai, drew over 80,000 global participants for discussions and conferences on climate action. Building on the summit’s momentum, Abu Dhabi embarked on an ambitious mangrove planting campaign, resulting in the establishment of 850,000 mangroves across various locations, including the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, Al Mirfa City, and Jubail Island.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond mere tree planting, as each mangrove is poised to absorb 170 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, making a substantial contribution to climate change mitigation efforts. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), highlighted the initiative’s roots in the environmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, whose foresight and deep understanding of the local ecosystem inspired early mangrove restoration efforts in the 1970s.
Dr. Al Dhaheri emphasized the invaluable role of mangroves as highly productive coastal ecosystems, offering a multitude of environmental and economic benefits. Notably, mangroves serve as crucial carbon sinks, sequestering and storing carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. In fact, mangroves are capable of absorbing up to four times more carbon than trees in the Amazon forest, underlining their significance in global carbon sequestration efforts.
Abu Dhabi’s mangrove restoration initiative stands as a testament to the emirate’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. By preserving and enhancing mangrove ecosystems, Abu Dhabi not only safeguards its natural heritage but also strengthens its resilience against the impacts of climate change. This visionary approach exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s leadership in fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
