ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has named TAQA, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, as official partner of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) partnership programme.

Under the two-year agreement, TAQA will serve as the lead and exclusive sponsor for two flagship environmental initiatives. The first initiative will see TAQA support the launch and implementation of the Mangrove Biodiversity Automated Monitoring programme, an innovative research initiative launched under ADMI.

It will also support the development of the Mangrove Nature Tracking Assistant, MANTA – the first-of-its kind in the Arabian Gulf leveraging artificial intelligence, technology, advanced ecological monitoring, and community-driven science to study biodiversity in natural and restored mangrove ecosystems.

The programme aims to study and analyse the biodiversity within the natural ecosystems of mangrove habitats, with a particular focus on key species, such as fish and crabs that serve as important indicators of ecosystem health and stability, and help measure the success of habitat restoration efforts. Providing accurate and real-time data that enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts and environmental planning, MANTA supports informed decision-making to ensure the sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystems.

TAQA earlier sponsored the 2025 Marine Turtle Festival, organised by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. As one of the UAE’s key environmental events, it aims to highlight the importance of marine species conservation by releasing rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles back into their natural habitats. The festival also showcases the efforts of the EAD and its partners in protecting marine biodiversity.

Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Director of Marine Biodiversity Division at EAD, said: “This partnership between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and TAQA marks a significant step forward in how we protect our mangrove ecosystems. Through the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, we are pioneering the use of advanced technologies and ecological research to monitor key species and assess habitat health in real time.

"Collaborations like this not only strengthen our scientific capabilities, but also create opportunities for global knowledge exchange, citizen science, and long-term conservation impact. Together, we are shaping a new era of environmental innovation rooted in evidence and collaboration.”

Noel Aoun, Group Chief Strategy Officer at TAQA said: “TAQA is proud to support the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. This collaboration highlights the vital role of science, technology, and community engagement in protecting and understanding our natural ecosystems. We look forward to advancing this important work alongside the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and its partners.”

The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was launched in 2022 during the visit to the UAE of Prince William, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge, where he met His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, at Jubail Mangrove Park.

The initiative aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for mangrove conservation, research, and innovation. It brings together all projects and efforts focused on the protection of coastal ecosystems and nature-based solutions in the emirate.

It also serves as a platform for regional and international collaboration, while encouraging the establishment of public-private partnerships. Since its launch, the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative has brought together 8 international and 15 local partners.