Ali Al Suwaidi, of Emirates Marine Environmental Group; Heba Al Shehi, from Ministry of Climate Change; and Omar Channawi, chief executive of Procter and Gamble in the Middle East, plant saplings at Dubai Mangroves Forest at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cop26: UAE pledges to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030



The UAE has stepped up its ambition to expand its mangrove cover by promising to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030.

The Emirates originally agreed to plant 30 million saline-tolerant trees by 2030, in its second Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.

I am proud to announce an important new step in strengthening our blue carbon ecosystems
Mariam Al Mheiri,
UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment

Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, announced the new target at a high-level ministerial meeting on adaptation action during Adaptation, Loss and Damage Day at Cop26 in Glasgow.

Speaking at the event that was held on Monday, Ms Al Mheiri said the UAE was keen to use nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment announced the UAE's new mangrove target at Cop26 in Glasgow. Photo: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

"I am proud to announce an important new step in strengthening our blue carbon ecosystems – an increase in our mangrove-planting target to 100 million by 2030," she said.

"We aim to work closely with non-governmental organisations and the private sector to fulfil our commitment to safeguarding the sustainability of our mangrove forests.”

Blue carbon is carbon captured by the oceans and coastal ecosystems.

Kayakers at the Eastern Mangroves area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Mangroves in the UAE

Mangroves reduce carbon emissions and provide critical natural habitats for baby fish and other sea creatures.

The trees also protect the UAE’s coasts from rising sea levels and storms.

The Emirates is already home to 60 million mangroves that form forests spanning 183 square kilometres and capture 43,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Planting 100 million mangroves will increase the coverage to 483 square kilometres, with the forests able to capture about 115,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Dubai launches mangrove-planting initiative

Dubai Municipality has started planting mangrove trees, which are helpful in reducing carbon emissions and providing natural habitats.
Updated: November 10, 2021, 5:14 AM