Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is set to host the world’s first ‘International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference’ (IMCRC). This pioneering event is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to address climate change and environmental conservation, in alignment with 2024’s theme of ‘The Year of Sustainability.’
The main focus of the event will center around mangrove conservation, restoration, and the crucial role these ecosystems play in combating climate change. Mangroves are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, making them critical in mitigating the effects of global warming.
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said that, “We, at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, invite all mangrove experts to be part of this event because we believe that joint efforts across the whole community will provide the key to our success. Close cooperation will allow us to devise innovative solutions, projects and initiatives to protect mangroves – a unique species and nature-based solution that will play a critical role in helping us combat our greatest challenge: climate change.”
Participants of the conference will be experts, policymakers, scientists, and environmental activists from across the world will come together to discuss innovative approaches for mangrove protection and sustainable development.
The conference aligns with the ‘UAE’s Net Zero by 2050’ strategic initiative, aiming to lead global environmental sustainability efforts.
Mangroves are important ecosystems for biodiversity and coastal protection, and this conference will likely set a global platform for future conservation efforts. It will showcase the UAE’s leadership in environmental initiatives leading up to the ‘COP28 climate summit’, also set to take place in the UAE in 2024.
The IMCRC will be organized under the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), which was launched during the historic visit of ‘Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge’, to the UAE. During his visit in February 2022, Prince William met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi, at Jubail Mangrove Park.