Abu dhabi: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a significant partnership with TAQA, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, as the Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) partnership programme. Under this two-year agreement, TAQA will serve as the Lead and Exclusive Sponsor for two major environmental initiatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the first initiative involves TAQA's support for the launch and implementation of the Mangrove Biodiversity Automated Monitoring programme, a pioneering research initiative under ADMI. This programme aims to develop the Mangrove Nature Tracking Assistant (MANTA), the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf. MANTA leverages artificial intelligence, technology, advanced ecological monitoring, and community-driven science to study biodiversity in natural and restored mangrove ecosystems. The focus is on key species such as fish and crabs, which are crucial indicators of ecosystem health and stability and help assess the success of habitat restoration efforts. By providing accurate and real-time data, MANTA enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts and environmental planning, supporting informed decision-making to ensure the sustainability of Abu Dhabi's coastal ecosystems.
TAQA has also sponsored the 2025 Marine Turtle Festival, organised by the EAD. This key environmental event in the UAE emphasizes the importance of marine species conservation by releasing rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles back into their natural habitats. The festival highlights the efforts of the Agency and its partners in protecting marine biodiversity.
Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Director of Marine Biodiversity Division at EAD, stated that this partnership marks a significant step forward in protecting mangrove ecosystems. She emphasized that through the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, advanced technologies and ecological research are being used to monitor key species and assess habitat health in real time. Collaborations like this strengthen scientific capabilities and create opportunities for global knowledge exchange, citizen science, and long-term conservation impact.
Noel Aoun, Group Chief Strategy Officer at TAQA, commented on the collaboration's importance, highlighting the role of science, technology, and community engagement in protecting and understanding natural ecosystems. He expressed eagerness to advance this important work alongside EAD and its partners.
The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for mangrove conservation, research, and innovation. It unites projects and efforts focused on the protection of coastal ecosystems and nature-based solutions in the emirate, serving as a platform for regional and international collaboration and encouraging public-private partnerships. Since its inception, the initiative has brought together eight international and 15 local partners.