The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced it will be hosting the first edition of the International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC).
Organisers say the conference, a world first, will present the most important scientific studies on mangrove forest ecosystems and examine the best practices for rehabilitating and developing these habitats.
The IMCRC, which will run from 10 to 12 December 2024, will be hosted under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) and is being jointly organised by a global group of leading environmental protection bodies.
According to Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, the total coverage of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove restoration projects across the emirate is currently 17,600 hectares.
“Since 2020, EAD and its partners have planted more than 27 million mangroves using innovative solutions, such as drone seeding,” HE Al Dhaheri said.
Mangroves are important ecosystems, as biodiversity hotspots that act as carbon sinks, sequestering four times as much carbon as terrestrial forests.
These coastal ecosystems can also act as a form of coastal protection and boost water quality.
“In the UAE, and especially in Abu Dhabi, we are very well aware of the importance of mangroves and have our own exceptional story. We have been exceptionally successful in preserving, protecting and restoring them. The emirate’s mangrove restoration efforts date back to before the 1970s, making Abu Dhabi a pioneer in the rehabilitation of these valuable ecosystems,” said HE Al Dhaheri, who emphasised the importance of collaboration.
“Close cooperation will allow us to devise innovative solutions, projects and initiatives to protect mangroves – a unique species and nature-based solution that will play a critical role in helping us combat our greatest challenge: climate change,” she said.