Jubail Island: In line with the UAE Government and Abu Dhabi Environmental Agencies push for an increased green cover across the country, the renowned natural sanctuary, Jubail Island has committed to noticeably increase the mangrove forest cover in the emirate by planting one million mangrove trees on the island within the next 10 years.
With 350,000 new seedlings already in the soil to date, a total of 1,000,000 additional new mangroves will be planted at the Island to support the country’s ambition to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030, an increase from 30 million, a commitment the UAE made at the COP26 Conference in Glasgow.
The new mangrove initiative is expected to introduce new water channels to enhance natural tidal flow conveyance into the surrounding wetland areas.
Ponds, labelled as ‘Biodiversity Genesis Zones’, have also been created within the new channel system and will expand the flushing of the channels to enhance the overall water quality within the wetland system. These new littoral zones have been shaped adjacent to existing areas of the mangrove forest and saltmarsh and will also create additional habitat for native species.
The latest move by Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC), the master developer of Jubail Island reiterates its consistent efforts to promote socially and environmentally responsible development, in addition to actively implementing programs to protect and enhance the island’s biodiversity.
Jubail Island will once again partner with Etihad Airways to plant another 182,000 mangrove trees in the next five years after having already placed 350,000 seedlings in the soil as part of an earlier collaboration with the UAE’s flag barrier airline.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi for their continued support and guidance throughout our environmental initiatives, and for their strenuous efforts to work with partners with the common goal of protecting biodiversity and preserving the quality of life in the UAE for a sustainable future. At Jubail Island Investment Company, we are determined to develop Jubail into a prominent landmark destination that sets the standard for community development which will protect the natural environment and preserve the flora and wildlife that inhabits the island.
Mr. Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of Jubail Island Investment Company, remarked speaking about the initiative.
The JIIC Managing Director further added that, “Mangrove forests are an important part of the UAE’s natural assets, providing a haven for wildlife while also helping to reduce overall carbon emissions, releasing oxygen and reducing erosion and pollution in our waterways and coasts. It is only right that we support the UAE’s forward-thinking initiative by planting 1 million mangrove trees over the course of 10 years right here within Jubail Island. This planting initiative will further enhance Jubail Island position as a hub of ecotourism in Abu Dhabi as well as being an integral element of our overall landscaping plan for the island, which will be home to more than 10,000 residents when completed in late 2023.”
JUBAIL ISLAND
Owned by Jubail Island Investment Company, Jubail Island is Nestled amid breath-taking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the mangrove. Occupying an area of more than 2,800 Hectares, the Island perfectly situated between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, and will become Abu Dhabi’s leading sanctuary designed to appeal to wellness and nature enthusiasts.