o Planting project is helping to reduce the effects if coastal development, and mitigate the degradation and loss of habitat

o EAD encourages developers to rehabilitate the affected areas by undertaking extensive mangrove plantation

Abu Dhabi, February 7, 2011: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has planted 800,000 mangrove plants saplings along the coast of Saadiyat and Jubail Islands. The project, which began in November 2009 and has just concluded, was launched with the aim of alleviating the effects of property development on the Islands' coastal habitats.

The planting project was developed by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) as a proactive plan for large-scale mangrove (Avicennia marina) plantation in and around Saadiyat Island and the nearby Island of Jubail. Both islands are undergoing widespread development which is affecting the naturally grown mangroves around the area; EAD's planting project is helping to reduce these effects, and mitigate the degradation and loss of habitat.

Thabit Al Abdessalaam, Director of Biodiversity Management Sector at EAD, said: "The primary objective of this project was to provide larger mangrove cover to Abu Dhabi's coastline by changing sparse patches of mangroves to more dense and increase mangrove cover, there by alleviating the impacts of coastal development."

He added: "There exist several potential areas for mangrove plantation that will enhance the overall value of our coastal resources. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is rapidly developing and coastal development is on the rise; EAD is being proactive by planting 800,000 mangrove saplings to preserve our emirate's fragile coastal biodiversity, and preserve a share of our heritage."

Sometimes called the 'rainforests of the sea', mangrove tree habitats are among the most productive and biologically important ecosystems. However, they are declining around the world, which could leave coastal communities vulnerable to natural disasters. Mangroves protect the beach from erosion caused by waves and ocean currents. They have provided sustenance (to species such as fish, shellfish, and crab), shelter (timber) and energy (fuel) to humans since ancient times. Until recently, poles made of mangrove wood- being tough and termite resistant- were extensively used as building material for the Arabian Peninsula. Currently, mangrove cover in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is 72 square kilometers, including areas with sparse patches and plantation. Bu Tinah Island- a contender for the international 7 Wonders of Nature competition- is home to vibrant mangrove forests which are among the best-preserved in the world.

Abu Dhabi possesses extensive mangrove areas on its islands and coastal parts; some are natural while others are planted. Some of the Emirate's planted mangroves are over 20 years old and can be compared with well-grown natural mangroves. Despite the fact that mangrove forests are increasing in size across the Emirate, EAD has identified several sites that have been impacted by human activity and unsustainable development. As part of alleviation measures, EAD actively encourages developers to rehabilitate the affected areas by undertaking extensive mangrove plantation programmes, under EAD's supervision.

Saadiyat Island, the natural island whose total area spans 27 square kilometers, is expected to be transformed into a tourist and cultural international destination by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) by the year 2020. The company is following an active mangrove rehabilitation planting plan that aims at protecting remaining natural mangroves and rehabilitating impacted mangrove habitats along the island's coastline. TDIC already has a large intertidal mangrove nursery along the island's eastern coast.

Results of the EAD-ADTA Mangrove Sapling Planting programme to date:

1.      In spite of the fact that mangroves do not grow fast during summer, saplings planted in February - April 2010 have grown well, as evidenced from the increased height and leaf density.

2.      Rate of mortality was less than 10% (calculated from 10 randomly selected sites) mostly due to longer period of inundation close to the natural channels, algae entanglement and disturbances by gazelles.

3.      Some of the saplings have grown taller than expected: Average height of saplings (n=30, in 10 random sites) is 52 cm, where the average height of saplings at the time of plantation was 35 cm.

4.      Biodiversity value of the area has increased as evidenced by the presence of birds and the increase in density of gastropods (a group of animals commonly known as snails and slugs) in the plantation areas.

-Ends-

Help keep Bu Tinah Island protected by:

·         Texting 'Butinah' to 3888 via SMS. You and your friends can text as many times as they like. In fact, the more you text, the more likely will Bu Tinah's inhabitants stay protected and flourish in peace.

·         Logging onto www.butinah.com and voting.

About Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD)
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established in 1996 to preserve Abu Dhabi's natural heritage, protect our future, and raise awareness about environmental issues. EAD is Abu Dhabi's environmental regulator and advises the government on environmental policy. It works to create sustainable communities, and protect and conserve wildlife and natural resources. EAD also works to ensure integrated and sustainable water resources management, to ensure clean air and minimise climate change and its impacts.

For media enquiries, please contact:
EAD Press Office:
Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD)
Tel:     +9712   6934-637
Fax:     +971 2   4997250
Mobile: +97150 442-5096
Email: pressoffice@ead.ae
Website: www.ead.ae

© Press Release 2011