The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, EAD, has introduced a new requirement to better manage the creation of new mangrove habitats in Abu Dhabi.

Mangrove planting is a common and popular method used by developers to offset the environmental impacts of development projects. It may involve planting on bare mudflats along the coast, or increasing the density of trees in an area where mangroves are already found. Many of the mangroves we see around Abu Dhabi today are planted areas.

Mangroves provide many benefits - they act as a carbon sink and are home to several species of wading birds, fish, small crabs and molluscs. When implemented properly, mangrove plantations can create a shelter for wildlife, in addition to green scenic areas around the city. However, when improperly planned or studied, mangrove plantations may regrettably be executed on top of existing valuable habitats, particularly bare mudflats that attract a different but equally important bird community. Studies from around the world indicate that in some cases, mangrove planting leads to habitat conversion: losing one type of habitat while creating another.

To ensure that this does not happen in Abu Dhabi, EAD has introduced a new requirement for companies and organisations which stipulates that they must obtain approval prior to planting any mangroves. Applications will allow EAD's scientists to not only protect existing habitats, but also better advise applicants on how to ensure that their plantation has a high rate of success and a better chance of providing benefits to the environment and human population.

EAD has also conducted detailed studies over the past 14 years on mangrove habitats and other blue carbon ecosystems. ‘Blue Carbon' refers to the ability of coastal habitats to store and capture carbon from the environment, thus playing an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Carbon stock assessments indicated that natural mangroves store far more carbon than the recreated and planted areas. Natural and mature patches of mangroves were much more valuable than newly planted saplings, in providing shelter for wildlife.

Ayesha Al Blooshi, Director of Marine Biodiversity at EAD, said, "Restoring a habitat, or creating a new habitat area is not always an easy process. We want to emphasise that the first priority should be to protect existing critical marine habitats and avoid any loss of what we already have. Abu Dhabi is blessed with a wide variety of natural coastal features that support its unique wildlife all of these habitats are valuable and should be protected. Our mudflats, algal mats and salt marshes are just as important as our mangroves and they all play a key role in the delicate balance of our environment."