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800,000 mangrove saplings 
planted on Saadiyat, Jubail

ABU DHABI — Some 800,000 mangrove saplings have been planted along the coast of Saadiyat and Jubail Islands by the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) since November 2009.

Mangroves help reduce the effects of coastal developments taking place and mitigate the degradation and loss of habitat as well as provide nutrients to fish and animals.

Madia persons and officials of the EAD who witnessed the plantation on Saadiyat Island were briefed about the importance of mangroves on Monday. The next phase of plantation will be 
initiated in Western Region.

Director of Biodiversity Management Sector at EAD Al Abdessalaam, said Abu Dhabi has the second highest number of mangrove areas in the GCC after Iran. Currently, mangroves cover 72 sq km in Abu Dhabi, including areas with sparse patches and plantation. While Iran has 90 sq km of mangrove areas, Al Abdessalaam said.

The EAD regularly encourages developers to rehabilitate the affected areas by planting mangroves extensively.

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

Dr Himanshu Das, scientist of endangered species and habitat programme of the EAD, said Saadiyat Island encompasses only 50,000 to 60,000 mangrove saplings out of the total number of trees planted, while the rest are on Jubail Island. Both islands are located on the outskirts of the Capital. The planting project was developed by the EAD and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) as a proactive plan for large-scale mangrove (Avicenia 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 will help reduce these effects and mitigate the degradation and loss of habitat.

Mangroves protect the beach from erosion caused by waves and ocean. They have provide sustenance (to species such as fish, shellfish, and crab), shelter (timber) and energy (fuel) to humans since ancient times, the Director added. Until recently, poles made of mangrove wood — being tough and termite resistant — were extensively used as building material in the Arabian Peninsula.— anwar@khaleejtimes.com