Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched “Ghars Al Emarat”, a UAE Planting Initiative, which will see ten mangrove trees planted for each COP28 conference visitor.
The initiative is supported by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the EAD.
It is part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, and aligns with the UAE’s hosting of COP28.
As part of the initiative, which aligns with the Year of Sustainability, innovative methods like drone dispersal will be used to plant mangroves. Approximately ten mangroves will be planted for every conference attendee.
Mangrove planting is scheduled for the last quarter of this year, the optimal period for this species, in coastal environments conducive to growth. These areas include the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, Al Mirfa City, and Jubail Island, where natural mangroves thrive.
This initiative aims to support Goal 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to ‘climate action’, which calls for urgent measures to be taken to address climate change and its impacts. It also supports national initiatives, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 climate neutrality strategic initiative, which aligns with the UAE’s goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030.
Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said.
“This initiative also highlights the UAE’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality and promoting nature-based solutions to reduce the effects and adapt to climate change and reduce the environmental footprint of conference visitors, at the rate of absorbing one tonne of carbon for every 5,000 mangrove trees,” Dr. Shaikha further added.
Abu Dhabi is home to 85 percent of the UAE’s mangroves, and the Agency is dedicated to studying and preserving these vital coastal habitats. Abu Dhabi has seen an expansion in its mangrove areas because of the mangrove rehabilitation projects, as per the statement.