Abu Dhabi plants 44 million mangroves to fight climate change

_{Image credit: Abu Dhabi Media Office}

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has proudly announced the successful planting of 44 million mangrove trees in the emirate since 2020, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's ongoing efforts to combat climate change. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport and ADNOC, resulted in the planting of 23 million mangrove trees over the last two years, covering an impressive 9,200 hectares. The project is part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), aligned with the UAE's broader ambition to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, contributing to the country's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, in support of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, seeks to expand and accelerate the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the crucial and effective role of mangroves in the fight against climate change. The planted mangrove trees are anticipated to store approximately 233,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of more than 25,000 homes.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), expressed his satisfaction with this achievement. He noted that the tireless efforts to plant and preserve mangrove trees in Abu Dhabi are in line with the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed in enhancing and sustaining coastal ecosystems. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the vital role of mangrove trees in adapting to climate change, reducing its effects, and serving as essential ecosystems for marine organisms.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology & UAE Special Envoy for Climate, Group MD & CEO of Adnoc, commended the achievement, emphasizing the commitment to supporting the UAE's environmental protection efforts. He underlined the importance of nature-based solutions in mitigating climate change consequences and enhancing biodiversity. Adnoc, in collaboration with EAD, has played a crucial role in supporting mangrove cultivation for over a decade.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the significance of mangrove planting as a nature-based solution to confront climate change. Mangroves act as natural carbon sinks, capturing substantial amounts of carbon and contributing to coastal ecosystem enhancement. Abu Dhabi's success in planting 23 million mangrove trees is viewed as a substantial addition to the UAE's ambitious goal of planting 100 million trees by 2030, aligning with the UAE NetZero Strategy 2050 and affirming the nation's commitment to global climate action.