800,000 mangrove saplings planted

Abu Dhabi Bureau-

Around 800,000 mangrove plants saplings have been planted along the coast of Saadiyat and Jubail islands in order to alleviate the effects of property development on the islands’ coastal habitat.

The planting project that concluded recently was developed by the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) as a proactive plan for large-scale mangrove (Avicennia marina) plantation in and around Saadiyat Island and the nearby Jubail Island.

Since both islands are undergoing widespread development, which is affecting the naturally grown mangroves around the area, EAD’s planting project will help in reducing these effects, and mitigating the degradation and loss of habitat.

Thabit Al Abdessalaam, the director of Biodiversity Management Sector at EAD, said: “The primary objective of this project was to provide larger mangrove cover to Abu Dhabi’s coastline by increasing mangrove cover.”

“There exist several potential areas for mangrove plantation that will enhance the overall value of our coastal resources. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is rapidly developing and the coastal development is also on the rise. EAD is planting 800,000 mangrove saplings to preserve our emirate’s fragile coastal biodiversity and preserve our heritage,” he added.

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