"Mangrove Conservation Conference" Highlights priorities for the future

Abu Dhabi, December 24 / WAM / The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, at the conclusion of the activities of the first edition of the International Conference for the Conservation and Development of Mangroves, stressed the necessity of protecting and developing mangroves around the world, as it is one of the most important ways to confront global environmental, social and economic challenges.

The conference called for the necessity of cooperation and mobilizing efforts to obtain the necessary funding on a large scale to achieve the goals of preserving and developing mangroves, pointing to the successful efforts of the “Mangrove Breakthrough” initiative, and its pivotal role in mobilizing resources from governments, the private sector, and charitable organizations to fill the gaps and advance transformative work. .

The conference highlighted the crucial role played by mangrove ecosystems in ensuring coastal resilience, protecting biodiversity and food security, and mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change, especially as more than 50% of these systems in the world are at risk of collapsing by 2050 due to pressures resulting from climate change. Human activities.

He also highlighted a comprehensive approach to preserving and developing mangroves, emphasizing the need to link these trees with neighboring ecosystems such as seagrasses, coral reefs and river headwaters, as this approach provides environmental, social and economic benefits, providing a balanced strategy to achieve this goal.

Discussions focused on the need for local community participation as a supportive force for the success of mangrove conservation efforts, as rehabilitated mangroves not only support livelihoods, but also reduce pressures on ecosystems through community participation and capacity building, ensuring their ability to benefit sustainably.

Successful models of community projects to rehabilitate mangroves were reviewed in countries such as Indonesia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States of America. These projects demonstrated scalable methods and best practices that can be applied globally. With increasing awareness of the importance of mangroves, the conference highlighted the need to Capitalize on this momentum by sharing scientific knowledge, promoting best practices and implementing them at scale, supporting and funding them.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said in his closing speech that the first international conference of its kind for the conservation and development of mangroves demonstrated the power of cooperation and innovation in addressing the critical challenges faced by mangrove systems worldwide. It provided a platform to bridge the gap between advanced scientific research and practical mangrove rehabilitation efforts on the ground, in addition to its role in highlighting the need to develop traditional methods of rehabilitation, and promoting science-based strategies and community participation. A comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

He added that the conference highlighted the Mangroves – Abu Dhabi Initiative, which is one of the Authority’s most important efforts aimed at consolidating Abu Dhabi’s leading global position in the field of protecting and preserving mangroves. This initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness The era of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is a clear example of the wise leadership’s interest in and encouragement of continuous scientific research and work to address climate change and enhance biodiversity.

He explained that the conference, which brought together representatives from governments, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector, affirmed the commitment to expanding the scope of impactful rehabilitation projects, investing in reliable solutions, and building resilient ecosystems that benefit nature, communities and the climate.

He stressed that this joint work, supported by knowledge, is the beginning of a transformative journey towards making a positive and lasting impact on efforts to preserve and develop mangroves locally and globally.

The first edition of the conference brought together more than 500 experts, policy makers and specialists in the field of environmental conservation, to address one of the most important environmental challenges in the world, so that the results of this historic event served as a starting point towards strengthening global efforts to protect and develop mangroves, and ensuring the health of these vital ecosystems. For future generations.

The conference was organized by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, a group of global bodies concerned with environmental protection that includes more than ten global partners from environmental organizations and scientific bodies such as the United Nations Office for Ecosystem Restoration, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the World Tree Alliance. Mangroves, the University of St Andrews, the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, the Zoological Society of London, Wetlands International, and the Emirates Nature Society.

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