Abu Dhabi plants 44 million mangroves to combat climate change

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has planted 44 million mangrove trees across the UAE capital since 2020 as part of the UAE’s efforts to combat climate change.

The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative saw EAD team up with Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to plant 23 million mangrove trees over the last two years ( equivalent to 9,200 hectares).

It also supports the country's goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030 to help achieve UAE net zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The mangroves are expected to help store approximately 233,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of more than 25,000 homes.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EAD, expressed his happiness with this achievement, which coincides with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability.  

Studies conducted by EAD have shown that mangroves can store carbon at a rate of 0.5 tonnes per hectare per year, sequestering at least 8,800 tonnes of carbon annually.

The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was launched in February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and UK's Prince William. It is an extension of the Blue Carbon Project, focusing on the importance of the mangroves’ carbon sequestration properties.