From sponsoring 10,000 mangroves to educating employees: UAE's Galadari Brothers leads the charge in conservation

In the battle against climate change, discussions often revolve around carbon footprints, renewable energy, and technological innovations. Yet, nature itself has provided one of the most effective solutions — mangroves. These coastal forests, with their tangled roots and dense canopies, are nature’s silent warriors against rising temperatures, shoreline erosion, and biodiversity loss. 

Mangroves are not just trees growing along the coast; they are carbon sequestration powerhouses. Studies show that they absorb and store up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests, making them one of the most efficient carbon sinks on Earth.

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Their thick roots protect coastlines from storms and rising sea levels, preventing land erosion and acting as natural barriers against extreme weather. But despite their unparalleled benefits, over one-third of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost in the past 50 years, largely due to coastal development, aquaculture, and pollution. 

The UAE, a country that has long been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, has recognised the urgency of protecting and restoring mangroves. With a national target to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, the country is making a bold statement—climate action requires not just mitigation, but restoration. 

Governments and corporations take the lead 

Around the world, governments are taking steps to protect these vital ecosystems. In Colombia, Kenya, and Indonesia, large-scale restoration projects have been launched to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas. The Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative, announced at COP28, aims to protect and restore 15 million hectares of mangrove forests by 2030, backed by a $4 billion fund. 

Corporations, too, are realising that sustainability is no longer just a CSR checkbox—it is a business imperative. Apple, in collaboration with Conservation International, is restoring 11,000 hectares of mangroves in South America. Mercedes-Benz, through the Global Nature Fund, is incorporating mangrove planting into its carbon offset programs. Meanwhile, financial institutions like BBVA Colombia have issued “biodiversity bonds” to fund mangrove conservation projects. 

Galadari Brothers: Taking action beyond corporate pledges 

While global initiatives provide momentum, real change happens when businesses act locally and think long-term. Galadari Brothers, a diversified business group with deep roots in the UAE, has stepped forward to support the country’s mangrove conservation efforts—not just as a one-off CSR event, but as a long-term commitment. 

On February 2, 2025, Galadari Brothers organised a mangrove planting and kayaking experience at Al Zorah Mangrove Forest in Ajman, bringing together employees to actively participate in restoring coastal ecosystems. Beyond just planting trees, this initiative was about education, engagement, and action—helping participants understand the role of mangroves in climate resilience and biodiversity preservation. 

But this is just the beginning. Apart from this on-ground conservation initiative, Galadari Brothers has committed to sponsoring the planting of 10,000 mangrove trees, reinforcing its dedication to nature-based solutions for climate action. 

'Sustainability is a shared responsibility'

Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating: 

“As a business deeply intertwined with the UAE’s growth, we recognise our responsibility in shaping a more sustainable future. Mangroves are among the most powerful natural defenses against climate change, and our pledge to plant 10,000 trees is a meaningful step toward lasting environmental impact. Sustainability is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a duty. Businesses must take an active role in ecological restoration, and through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire others to join us in supporting the UAE’s ambitious environmental goals.” 

The business case for nature-based solutions 

For businesses, investing in sustainability is no longer a moral choice—it is an economic one. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration could provide up to one-third of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C. 

Moreover, for every dollar invested in mangrove conservation, there is a $10 return in ecosystem services, including storm protection, fisheries support, and tourism. Countries that have restored their mangrove forests—such as Vietnam, where reforestation projects have saved an estimated $15 million annually in storm damage costs—demonstrate that conservation is not just about protecting nature, but also about securing economic stability. 

For companies like Galadari Brothers, sustainability is about more than just compliance—it is about shaping a future where business success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. 

A call to action for the corporate sector 

The UAE is setting the standard for sustainability in the region, but achieving ambitious targets like 100 million mangrove trees by 2030 requires collective action. Governments can lay the foundation, but it is corporates, communities, and individuals who must turn vision into reality. 

Galadari Brothers’ leadership in mangrove restoration demonstrates how businesses can align profitability with purpose. By making tangible commitments—whether through direct reforestation efforts, carbon sequestration programs, or ecosystem protection initiatives—companies can play a crucial role in shaping a resilient, sustainable future. 

As we look ahead, the message is clear: the future of sustainability isn’t just in policy documents or boardroom discussions—it’s in the mud, the roots, and the forests that silently fight climate change every day. 

• Dubai

Sayali Singhi

Contributor

Sayali Singhi is the Group Head of Project Planning at Galadari Brothers, where she helps shape group-wide ESG and CSR initiatives. She is a CFA charter holder and a certified sustainability professional.