Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency to Plant Mangrove Tree for Each Visitor at Congress 2024

Post by : Omar Nasser

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has introduced an exciting initiative to plant a mangrove tree for every participant attending the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) 2024, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi from January 29 to February 2. This effort aligns with the Year of Sustainability and Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy, aiming to engage teachers and students involved in the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI). 

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With over 3,000 participants expected at the congress, the initiative seeks to address critical environmental challenges. The primary goals are to lower carbon dioxide levels, encourage nature-based solutions for mitigating climate change, and lessen the ecological footprint of conference attendees. 

This initiative is a collaboration between EAD, Emirates Nature-WWF, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The partners are committed to fostering public engagement through various projects focused on addressing pressing environmental issues. 

Additionally, the initiative is in support of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), a comprehensive program that encompasses all research and restoration projects related to mangroves and blue carbon in the emirate. Launched during a meeting between His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Royal Highness Prince William, the Prince of Wales, at Jubail Mangrove Park in February 2022, ADMI aims to facilitate science-based restoration through essential principles such as education, engagement, research, protection, and partnership. 

Mangrove planting is scheduled for the last quarter of the year, which is identified as the optimal planting period for mangroves. The locations selected for planting include coastal areas such as the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, Mirfa City, and Jubail Island.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management Sector at EAD, emphasized the UAE's dedication to mangroves as a crucial coastal habitat contributing to blue carbon. He noted that these ecosystems play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and helping mitigate climate change impacts. "Science-based mangrove restoration efforts have continued across Abu Dhabi, which still boasts the largest mangrove areas in the country. With this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about the significance of mangroves as nature-based solutions while engaging students in hands-on scientific research."

Each school participating in the Sustainable Schools Initiative will have a designated area for planting mangroves, enabling students to monitor and observe the trees through field trips. This engagement aims to foster data collection and ensure the trees' health. Teachers overseeing these field trips will receive training to understand the scientific principles necessary for accurate data collection and effective monitoring of mangrove growth.

To prepare for this initiative, theoretical training for teachers will take place in September, reviewing the program's objectives and equipping teachers with planting and monitoring techniques. In October, they will undergo practical training to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. 

The initiative will also feature five field trips for students, organized every two months until the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. These trips will include educational content about mangrove trees and will focus on building collaborative learning skills. Students will develop essential life skills such as leadership, organization, communication, and critical thinking, while also learning the value of teamwork.

During these outings, students will monitor the growth and health of the mangroves based on specific criteria. Schools participating in this initiative will receive certificates of participation at the end of the academic year, recognizing their contributions to this important environmental effort.

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