Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)

Abu Dhabi has established itself as a pioneer in mangrove restoration with a forward-thinking approach, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) said in an interview with Aletihad. 

This took place on the sidelines of the world’s first International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC) led by EAD, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

“Mangroves are an integral part of our heritage,” Al Hashemi said, reflecting on the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“Today, we continue to build on that vision, expanding our efforts to protect and restore these vital ecosystems,” he added. “Mangroves enhance biodiversity, provide critical habitats for migratory birds and marine invertebrates, serve as nurseries for fisheries, and offer a wide range of invaluable natural services. They are not just important – they are essential.”

Abu Dhabi is now home to numerous protected areas that aim to safeguard the biodiversity that mangroves support, according to Al Hashemi.

He also noted that EAD is integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence, in its mangrove monitoring and restoration efforts. 

These technologies are being used to assess the health of mangrove trees, identify suitable restoration sites, and even facilitate seed dispersal in hard-to-reach areas, significantly reducing time, resources, and costs.

Mangroves: Unsung Heroes in the Fight Against Climate Change

Mangroves are a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s climate change strategy, Al Hashemi said. 

“Mangroves contribute to the protection of coastal areas that have been severely affected by rising temperatures, shifting salinity, and rising sea levels,” he explained. “By restoring and studying mangroves, we can better understand the future challenges they may face and develop strategies to help them adapt to these environmental changes.”

When it comes to climate mitigation, mangroves are incredibly effective in sequestering carbon, a point underscored by Andrew Terry, Director of Conservation and Policy at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). 

“These muddy, swampy environments are 10 times more effective than tropical forests in locking in carbon,” Terry explained in an interview with Aletihad. “It's not just the trees themselves; it's how they structure and retain the soil, along with all the plant matter locked into the dense coastal soils. This makes them vital for climate mitigation."

Al Hashemi highlighted the Abu Dhabi Blue Carbon Demonstration Project, initiated in 2012 by the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) together with EAD. 

The success of the project prompted the initiation of Phase II, known as the National Blue Carbon Project in 2015, which extended the understanding and valuation aspects of coastal Blue Carbon ecosystem services, particularly in mangroves, in the Northern and Eastern regions of the UAE. 

Vital Role of International Collaboration 

The IMCRC, which is the first of its kind, marks a significant moment in global efforts to restore and protect mangrove ecosystems, said Terry.

“There’s a huge amount of enthusiasm and knowledge being generated around mangrove restoration,” he added. “But we need to see that translated into practical action on the ground. Bringing all these different stakeholders together is crucial for developing tangible, real-world solutions.”

Al Hashemi echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of international collaboration. “Mangroves vary greatly across regions, and it’s essential to learn from other countries about their experiences, challenges, and successes,” he noted. "The different climates, expertise, and approaches provide valuable lessons that will help shape more effective conservation strategies.”

Looking ahead, Al Hashemi expressed hope that the conference would foster productive partnerships and discussions. “We aim to identify key priorities for mangrove conservation in the coming years and focus our efforts where they are most needed,” he said.