Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have entered into a partnership to launch an initiative aimed at cultivating 500,000 coral reefs around the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra Region. This significant project was formalized during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the initiative by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to establish four million coral colonies by 2030. Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have entered into a partnership to launch an initiative aimed at cultivating 500,000 coral reefs around the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra Region. This significant project was formalized during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the initiative by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to establish four million coral colonies by 2030.
According to Emirates News Agency, the project plans to set up coral nurseries for species that can endure high temperatures. It also intends to implement environmental monitoring programs and cultivate 500,000 coral colonies over the next three years. This initiative aims to enhance marine biodiversity and preserve Abu Dhabi's marine ecosystems. EAD will manage the project's implementation and prepare scientific reports, while ENEC will provide funding and resources.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, emphasized the project's significance in protecting marine ecosystems and supporting regional and global initiatives for coral reef conservation. She highlighted the strategic partnership's role in merging scientific and technical expertise with ENEC's support, ensuring adherence to international standards and promoting environmental innovation.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ENEC, stated that the company prioritizes preserving the marine environment. This project reflects ENEC's commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations. The partnership with EAD presents an opportunity to achieve shared environmental goals, contributing to coral reef resilience against climate change and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in marine environment protection.
EAD is renowned for coral reef restoration, having successfully cultured over 1.45 million coral colonies as part of the Gulf's largest rehabilitation project. The project aims to cultivate four million coral colonies by 2030, employing advanced coral nursery technologies to enhance resilience against climate challenges. It has recorded a 95 percent survival rate of cultured coral after the summer and a 50 percent increase in fish biomass.