UAE Launches Ambitious 'Today for Tomorrow: National Day Mangrove Project' to Plant 10,000 Mangrove Trees

In alignment with the UAE Year of Sustainability and in continuation of the successful 51st UAE National Day celebration held on December 2, 2022, the organizing committee has initiated the 'Today for Tomorrow: National Day Mangrove Project.'

This remarkable project is a significant step towards fulfilling the UAE's commitment, made at COP27, to plant 100 million mangrove trees by the year 2030. Reflecting the visionary ideals of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this initiative seeks to restore and enrich the mangrove forests that grace the UAE's coastlines. The project's initial phase will involve the planting of the 10,000 mangrove trees prominently featured during the 51st National Day celebrations, with plantings planned across various locations in all seven emirates.

The 'Today for Tomorrow: National Day Mangrove Project' extends an open invitation to all residents of the UAE, from nature enthusiasts to environmental advocates, to join in the collective effort. Activities will commence on Thursday, May 11th, at 10:00 a.m. at Yas Beach, Abu Dhabi.

Mangroves hold a vital role in the UAE's coastal ecosystem, covering more than 150 square kilometers along the nation's coastline. Often referred to as the "green lungs" of the land, these unique trees possess the exceptional ability to sequester carbon, effectively mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This quality positions mangroves as indispensable tools in the global fight against climate change. Beyond their ecological significance, mangroves serve as a primary source of sustenance for various species and provide crucial habitats for wildlife.

Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2023 as the 'Year of Sustainability.' This year-long initiative, running until December 2023, is designed to promote the UAE's deeply ingrained value of sustainability. It aims to encourage a shift towards sustainable behaviors and contribute to the UAE's journey towards a more sustainable and thriving future. Drawing upon the rich heritage of the UAE, this campaign seeks to inspire sustainable practices and foster collective action among all those who call the UAE home.