Coral gardens to be set up in 3 emirates in UAE

The scheme will contribute to safeguarding biodiversity and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has started cultivating three coral gardens over a total area of 850 square metres in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. So far, the ministry has cultivated 24 species of corals as part of the three-phase initiative, according to a senior official.
Saleh Al Geziry, director-general of Ajman tourism development department, said the ministry is working on the rehabilitation of ecosystems to provide a natural habitat and an incubator for several marine species.
"This will help ensure a substantial increase in fish stocks and their sustainability."
Salah Abdullah Al Raisi, director of the fisheries sustainability department at the ministry, said this project will significantly boost the sustainability of natural ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and reducing the impacts of climate change.
"The scheme contributes to safeguarding biodiversity in the country, and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the air through the sequestration of carbon dioxide."
Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, CEO of RAK environmental protection and development authority, said the targeted coral gardens preserves fish stocks and ensuring their sustainability. "The authority, in collaboration with the ministry, has already cultivated 650 species of corals and installed 703 artificial caves, as part of our strategy to enhance marine biodiversity in the emirate."
The ministry, last month, announced two environmental initiatives to mark the Year of Zayed.
"The first initiative includes planting 30,000 mangrove trees and the second to cultivate coral gardens, both geared to develop the coastal and marine areas in the UAE."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com