ABU DHABI: The UAE celebrates July 26 as International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, recognising the crucial role mangroves play in keeping our planet healthy. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, highlighted their importance.
Mangroves offer many benefits: they boost biodiversity, act as carbon sinks, and protect coastal areas. They are vital for fighting climate change. Mangroves serve as breeding grounds for many marine species, with 80% of the world’s fish population depending on them at some point.
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Mangroves are excellent at storing carbon, up to 400% faster than tropical rainforests. This makes them essential for meeting the Paris Agreement targets. Protecting and restoring mangroves is key in combating climate change.
The UAE has made mangroves a part of its plan to reach Net Zero by 2050. Despite their benefits, mangroves are threatened by rising sea levels, habitat destruction, and pollution.
The UAE has long been committed to conserving and planting mangroves, both locally and globally. At COP26, the UAE announced a plan to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030, supported by various sectors.
At COP27, the UAE launched the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) with Indonesia. This alliance aims to enhance mangrove conservation, restoration, and planting worldwide.
The UAE and Indonesia are also building an International Mangrove Research Centre in Bali, which will be crucial for global mangrove research and restoration.
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On this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to protecting and restoring mangroves. The nation calls for collective efforts to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world by prioritising mangrove conservation.
