UAE to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030

As part of its strategic environmental vision and in celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the United Arab Emirates has launched an ambitious initiative to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030—one of the largest climate-focused projects in the region.

The initiative aims to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems to climate change, increase carbon sequestration, and support biodiversity by creating a thriving habitat for marine life. By mid-2025, over 30 million mangrove trees had already been planted through this programme, utilising innovative methods such as drone-assisted planting and tissue culture propagation techniques.

The UAE has made notable strides in protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, with mangroves playing a vital role as a natural defence against climate change.

Backed by a visionary environmental strategy and strong leadership, the country has launched a wide array of pioneering initiatives and research programmes that have expanded coastal greenery and strengthened marine biodiversity.

These efforts have firmly established the UAE as a regional and global leader in conserving mangrove ecosystems, making it a model in leveraging nature-based solutions to address climate challenges. The country’s achievements align with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on July26, which underscores the importance of raising environmental awareness and highlights the critical role of mangroves in protecting against sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and ecological imbalance.

This occasion reaffirms the UAE’s ambitious path towards climate neutrality, placing mangrove protection and expansion at the heart of its national sustainability strategy.

The UAE is among the first countries to launch advanced programmes dedicated to mangrove conservation and expansion. Notable among these is the Mangrove Propagation Programme, which focuses on developing biotech-based methods for cultivating high-quality mangrove seedlings capable of adapting to various coastal environments.

Additionally, the Drone Mangrove Planting Project employs artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial vehicles to efficiently and accurately disperse mangrove seeds in targeted areas, accelerating and scaling up afforestation efforts.

In a statement published on the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s official website, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said:

“This is an inspiring moment to reflect on the beauty and significance of mangrove trees that grace our shores, serving as a natural shield against rising sea levels and the effects of climate change.”

Dr Amna emphasised that one of the most remarkable features of mangroves is their exceptional carbon capture capacity—four times greater than that of tropical rainforests. She also highlighted their role in providing food and shelter for marine organisms, making mangroves a fully integrated ecosystem.

She stressed the importance of institutional and community partnerships in realising the UAE’s vision, adding: “Our existence is directly linked to theirs.”

Beyond its local efforts, the UAE plays a vital global role in mangrove conservation through initiatives such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), which brings together 45 members from governments and NGOs. The alliance aims to support international financing and policy strategies for mangrove protection.

Another key contribution is the Mohamed bin Zayed – Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Center in Bali, Indonesia, which serves as a global scientific hub for developing effective solutions to restore coastal ecosystems.

The UAE will further demonstrate its commitment by hosting the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress this October in Abu Dhabi, where mangrove conservation will be a central focus.

The UAE reaffirms that protecting mangrove ecosystems is a fundamental pillar of its sustainable development journey. As the country moves steadily towards its environmental goals, mangrove conservation remains a shared responsibility—one that requires the concerted efforts of individuals, institutions, and governments alike. Preserving these trees not only maintains ecological balance but also represents a direct investment in the future of generations to come.