EPAA plants 11,600 mangrove trees in AlQurm Area, Khor Kalba

Supporting Governmental Environmental Efforts

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, commented:
"The Mangrove Planting Program is an ambitious initiative that enhances Sharjah’s contributions to achieving the UAE’s strategic goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. It is also a crucial step toward supporting the UAE’s efforts in realizing its Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. This program exemplifies our commitment to environmental sustainability and our dedication to fostering governmental and community collaboration to combat climate change."

Her Excellency added: "We are proud of our fruitful partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF, which has made this environmental project a reality by planting 11,600 mangrove seedlings in AlQurm Protected Area. This initiative underscores our shared commitment to environmental sustainability. It demonstrates how collective efforts, ideas, and resources can protect our natural heritage for future generations. Moreover, it aims to instill a positive environmental awareness within the community, encouraging individuals to recognize the importance of preserving our ecosystems."

Sustainability and Expansion Plans

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi further emphasized that the program is part of an integrated strategy to expand mangrove planting efforts across new areas in Sharjah. Continuous monitoring and care are prioritized to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of the planted mangroves. Additionally, AlQurm Protected Area remains a key hub for biodiversity conservation, environmental research, and the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism. 

A New Milestone Towards Achieving the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative

On a similar note, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, remarked: "Nature is our strongest ally in addressing the climate emergency. By protecting, enhancing, and restoring ecosystems like mangroves, we can significantly boost carbon absorption and mitigate climate change. Emirates Nature-WWF is proud of its long-standing partnership with EPAA. Together, through initiatives such as Priceless Planet by Mastercard, we have made strides in restoring mangroves in Khor Kalba. Our efforts align with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. As the project progresses, we continue to monitor the planted mangroves to ensure their health and effectiveness in performing their ecological role."

Mangroves: Guardians of Environmental Balance

Mangroves are natural guardians of Earth’s ecosystems, playing a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, preserving biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance. These trees absorb carbon dioxide at rates far exceeding terrestrial forests, provide natural coastal protection against erosion, and serve as vital habitats for a wide array of biodiversity. As such, increasing mangrove coverage is a powerful and practical solution to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Sharjah’s Leadership in Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development

Participants in the initiative expressed pride in contributing to this national effort, which strengthens the UAE’s position as a global model for sustainable resource management. The program highlights Sharjah’s leadership in eco-tourism and sustainable development, underscoring the significant contributions of EPAA, Emirates Nature-WWF, and other partners in fostering environmental awareness and offering innovative solutions to climate challenges.