UAE: New mangrove initiative to protect natural habitats

UAE: New mangrove initiative to protect natural habitats

Mangroves are coastal forests that play a vital role in protecting coasts from storms and floods

Skyline of Abu Dhabi Al Reem Island with mangrove forest in foreground

Published: Tue 21 Jun 2022, 1:44 PM Last updated: Tue 21 Jun 2022, 1:45 PM

The mangrove planting programme is one of Abu Dhabi’s initiatives advancing commitment to tackle climate change.

In a statement issued on Twitter, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) said that the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative is being carried out at selected coastal areas to ensure the protection of other vital habitats. It targets optimum planning locations to ensure a high rate of success.

Mangroves are coastal, intertidal forests that play a vital role in protecting coasts from storms and floods. They also provide a habitat for wildlife and regulate climate change, capturing more than four times the carbon of tropical forests.

The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which had formed its first partnership with conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) provides a platform for innovation in mangrove research, climate change mitigation, and community engagement. The programme will also see a state-of-the-art mangrove nursery established in Abu Dhabi as a research, learning, and outreach centre.

The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative follows methods including harnessing