UAE National Environment Day: 200 mangrove seedlings planted in Sharjah sanctuary

Two hundred mangrove seedlings were planted in Sharjah’s Al Qurum sanctuary in an afforestation campaign held as part of the UAE’s National Environment Day celebration.

Led by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah — in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment — the eco-drive falls in line with the UAE’s goal of planting 30 million mangrove seedlings by 2023.

Read: New UAE study to help scientists understand how mangroves thrive in desert climate

“National Environment Day is one of the most important national environmental awareness programmes, and EPAA is keen to celebrate it with a number of activities which raise awareness and impart education. (Through this afforestation campaign in Al Qurm protected area in Kalba) we express our national commitment to preserving the emirate of Sharjah’s natural resources and making efforts to protect our environment,” said Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).

The interest in planting more mangroves comes as studies show their role in mitigating climate change. Results of the Blue Carbon Awareness Project revealed that mangroves in the UAE sequester more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

With the country’s 30-million mangrove target, it aims to improve natural absorption of carbon and strengthen the coastal ecosystem and its sustainability. This year’s National Environment Day was celebrated under the theme Green Recovery.

Al Suwaidi also drew attention to the importance of environmental education and awareness in the authority’s plans and strategies.

“The plans include many activities and events which encourage audience interaction. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have turned our attention towards the possibilities with virtual platforms, and have implemented a number of techniques and tools to successfully provide the community with educational information during unprecedented times. We have also launched several community initiatives to increase the green space, such as the afforestation initiatives at Al Muntather Reserve and Al Qurm Reserve, and our initiative to plant a tree in every home,” she added.

The authority’s Sharjah Sustainability Award, which was launched in 2012, also recognises students and members of the educational and administrative staff every year for their innovative projects. It aims to encourage innovation and foster the spirit of competition between different student sectors in schools and universities in a bid to spread the culture of green economy and an appreciation for the natural environment.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com