The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has successfully completed a significant mangrove planting initiative in the AlQurm Protected Area, Khor Kalba. This project is part of the EPAA’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and combating climate change. In collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, along with Bee’ah, the initiative resulted in the planting of 11,600 mangrove seedlings over a span of two weeks.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, expressed that the Mangrove Planting Program is a vital step towards achieving the UAE’s strategic goal of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. She said, that this program supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and highlights the authority’s dedication to fostering collaboration between government sectors and the community to address climate change.

The AlQurm Protected Area serves as a significant site for biodiversity conservation, environmental research, and sustainable eco-tourism. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, highlighted that nature is a powerful ally in tackling the climate emergency. She stated that protecting and restoring ecosystems like mangroves greatly enhances carbon absorption and mitigates climate change. Abdullatif conveyed pride in the longstanding partnership with EPAA, noting their joint efforts in initiatives like Priceless Planet by Mastercard, which aim to restore mangroves in Khor Kalba and align with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.