Despite their dense, tangled roots and waxy leaves that give them an unusual appearance, mangrove trees, or “mangroves,” hide an exceptional charm.
There are more than 50 species of “true” mangrove trees and shrubs, which are known to grow in tidal coastal areas in tropical and subtropical regions.
Its distinctive shape is due to unique adaptations in its roots and leaves, which enable it to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including the high salinity of seawater, clay soil poor in oxygen, and the constant change in tidal levels.
Dr. Amna Al Mansouri, a marine biologist at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, told CNN: “Mangroves have many benefits, and I love them very much!”
Mangroves constitute a vital environment for hosting large numbers of wild creatures, including at least 340 species that are threatened with extinction worldwide.
Its fallen leaves also contribute to supporting the ecosystem, as they decompose in the surrounding sediments and turn into organic materials rich in nutrients, from which various types of animals benefit.
Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal communities from the effects of storms and floods, as they reduce the intensity of strong waves before they reach land.
Its roots also help stabilize sediments in the surrounding soil, contributing to the formation of new land and reducing coastal erosion.
Mangroves are among the most efficient natural systems for absorbing and storing carbon, absorbing more than four times more than terrestrial forests.
According to the Mangrove Climate Alliance, these trees contribute to storing about 21 billion tons of carbon dioxide around the world for thousands of years.
“From a climate perspective, I can say that mangroves are a real hero,” Al Mansouri said.
Seeds of hope
Mangrove trees have received special attention in the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi, since the late 1960s, just before the start of the oil boom that the emirate witnessed, and the rapid urban expansion that accompanied it.
The United Nations Environment Program estimated that the area of mangrove forests around the world declined by 35% between 1980 and 2000, while the rate of their loss decreased by 44% between 2000 and 2020, according to the Mangrove Climate Alliance.
In contrast, Abu Dhabi witnessed an increase in the area of mangrove forests by 92% between 1987 and 2022.
Al Mansouri said: “Today we are witnessing thriving forests. After their area was 3,000 hectares, they now extend to 17,600 hectares.”
The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) adopts a scientific approach to restoring these forests, based on data, maps and field monitoring.
It mainly contributes to achieving the UAE’s goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, as more than 6 million seeds were distributed in Abu Dhabi during 2023, using drones designated for that purpose.
Changing the course of tides
Despite mangroves' role in combating climate change, they remain vulnerable to risks resulting from rising global temperatures.
As conservation efforts intensify, mangrove numbers have increased slightly over the past decade, according to the Global Mangrove Observatory. On the other hand, countries such as Myanmar, Indonesia, and Nigeria are still witnessing a decline in their area since the beginning of the decade.
This situation generally threatens food and shelter sources, as well as the lives of people living near the coasts.
In Abu Dhabi, mangroves are still classified as an endangered species, despite the significant expansion in their areas.
Al Mansouri explained that these trees need a precise balance in water levels, pointing out that: “High water levels may lead to suffocation, while low water levels do not help them grow.”
She added that sea levels rising faster than the sediments on which mangroves grow could lead to their submergence.
The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) makes protecting and rehabilitating existing mangrove forests a top priority.
In this context, it recently launched a project to restore its hydrological system, which aims to study the optimal water flow rates for the growth of these trees, and determine the water conditions necessary for the long-term recovery of degraded areas.
Al Mansouri believed that the expansion of mangrove cultivation must occur in parallel with preserving its health and ensuring its sustainability.
She said: “We are already seeking to increase the areas covered by mangroves, but we want this increase to be achieved in a healthy manner, so that we can see them flourish, not only in a way that serves biodiversity, but also people and efforts to confront climate change.”
