Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, supported by Al Rostamani Group, recently organized a community mangrove planting event at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote nature-based solutions and aligns with the UAE's 'Year of Family', aiming to instill environmental and social responsibility across generations while raising awareness about ecosystem protection.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was attended by Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, alongside a delegation from Al Rostamani Group. This delegation included key figures such as Abdulrahman Saqr, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Human Capital Officer, and Endre Frankl, Chief Financial Officer, among others. Representatives from the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority were also present.
The event witnessed significant participation from leaders, employees, and their families in planting mangroves, highlighting family unity and collaboration between the public and private sectors in protecting biodiversity. This initiative contributes to the national target of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030, supporting the UAE's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.
The initiative reflects Al Rostamani Group's commitment to national efforts in mangrove cultivation, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Ministry in October 2023. This agreement established a framework for direct contributions toward the national target of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030 through on-the-ground initiatives.
Hiba Al Shehhi emphasized the importance of linking nature conservation with social responsibility for the sustained success of the Ministry's initiatives. She highlighted the significance of involving children in environmental activities, stating that the seedlings planted today will grow alongside them, reinforcing their role as guardians of nature.
Al Shehhi concluded by expressing gratitude towards the strategic partnership with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority and Al Rostamani Group. She noted that such collaborations embody shared responsibility and serve as a model for achieving comprehensive sustainability goals in the UAE.
Abdulrahman Saqr reaffirmed Al Rostamani Group's commitment to national sustainability objectives, emphasizing the importance of the private sector in protecting natural habitats and raising awareness about mangroves as vital environmental treasures.
The event aimed to strengthen community engagement, providing an interactive platform for families and employees to contribute to the UAE's goals for expanding mangrove coverage. Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and marine biodiversity support.
This initiative is rooted in an MoU between the Ministry and Al Rostamani Group, establishing a strategic framework for the National Carbon Sequestration Project. Under this partnership, Al Rostamani Group is involved in enhancing national capabilities for mangrove seedling production, supporting the establishment of a modern nursery to increase seedling output.
Mangroves are vital in climate action due to their efficiency as natural carbon sinks. They absorb and store carbon at rates exceeding those of tropical rainforests, sequestering carbon in biomass and soil for thousands of years, thus aiding in global warming mitigation.
In addition to climate regulation, mangroves protect the UAE's coastal environment by serving as natural defences against erosion, storms, and rising sea levels. They also provide habitats for fish, marine organisms, and birds, contributing to the sustainability of fisheries and enhancing local biodiversity.