Abu Dhabi unveils region’s largest coral reef rehabilitation project

Abu Dhabi unveils region’s largest coral reef rehabilitation project

HH 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), launched the largest coral reef rehabilitation project in the region, including more than one million colonies of coral reef through a replanting programme, with the aim of increasing the emirate's total coral reef area. The launch coincides with the World Oceans Day, which falls on June 8 of each year, and comes within framework of a comprehensive plan developed by the agency to preserve this important ecosystem and ensure its sustainability. HH Sheikh Hamdan stressed the importance of this project in supporting efforts made by the Agency to preserve coral reefs, which are considered one of the most important and productive marine habitats. The reefs support biological diversity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and provides a natural habitat for many types of fish and marine life, in addition to their role in protecting beaches from erosion, as well as supporting fisheries and many recreational and tourism activities in Abu Dhabi. HH said: "Despite the harsh environmental conditions for coral reefs here in the Arabian Gulf, they are able to adapt and