The launch of the International Conference for the Conservation and Development of Mangroves in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, 10 December / WAM / The activities of the first international conference of its kind in the world for the conservation and development of mangroves, organized by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, were launched today in Abu Dhabi.
This comes within the framework of the UAE’s second Sustainability Year and under the umbrella of the Al Qurm – Abu Dhabi Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy.
The conference brings together more than 500 participants, including experts, decision-makers, academics and researchers, to discuss the pressing global challenges facing mangrove forests and international best practices in the field of mangrove rehabilitation and conservation.
The conference aims to promote innovative strategies for restoring mangroves by taking advantage of the latest scientific studies and technical innovations and enhancing international cooperation to confront the two crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
The conference also provides a platform to exchange knowledge, learn about best practices, and strengthen global partnerships to protect and rehabilitate one of the most vital ecosystems on the planet.
Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, said that mangrove trees, with their unique ability to store carbon, protect coastlines and support biodiversity, are an essential element in addressing two major challenges: biodiversity loss and climate change, noting that these trees face unprecedented threats. As 50% of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are threatened with collapse by 2050.
She added that this conference is not just a call to action, but also a celebration of the opportunities available to reverse this path through collective action and global initiatives such as the Mangrove Development Initiative, which has the support of the Crimean Climate Alliance and the Global Mangrove Alliance, pointing out the availability of the necessary tools and partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for these forests. .
For her part, Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said that hosting this event during the UAE’s second Sustainability Year reflects the collective responsibility towards a sustainable future, noting that mangrove trees are considered the bastion of nature – they absorb carbon, protect the coasts and are a haven for biodiversity. However, nearly 50% of the world’s ecosystems face the risk of deterioration due to human activities, stressing that the conference provides an ideal platform to address these challenges by enhancing joint international cooperation.
She added that field studies conducted by the Authority showed that the area of mangrove trees in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi had increased from about 9,100 hectares in 1987 to 17,600 hectares by 2020, and that these efforts, along with the Mangroves-Abu Dhabi Initiative, confirm the Authority’s commitment to using scientific and innovative approaches in operations. Rehabilitation.
For his part, Dr. Andrew Terry, Director of Conservation and Policy at the Zoological Society of London, stressed the importance of mangroves, pointing out that they and others are considered major coastal habitats and champions of nature. It performs vital functions for humans and wildlife alike, noting that over the past decade the world has witnessed a tremendous increase in interest in supporting the recovery of mangroves, especially from the private sector and through international governmental processes.
The conference sessions review the lessons learned from mangrove rehabilitation projects and the challenges they face around the world. Participants seek, through discussions and specialized committees, to identify paths to achieve sustainable and effective programs to rehabilitate these unique trees.
Today, a lecture was presented entitled “Achieving integrated mangrove restoration for nature, climate and people,” followed by a panel discussion that addressed important issues such as the role of technology and artificial intelligence in rehabilitation, the role of partners, the possibility of using carbon credits resulting from rehabilitation activities, and the importance of involving the local community.
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