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Abu Dhabi Reverses Coastal Damage: A Global Hope
13 Feb
Summary
- Science-led policy reversed Abu Dhabi's coastal environmental damage.
- Fisheries once depleted now show a full recovery by 2025.
- Fifty million mangrove saplings planted, aiming for 100 million by 2030.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi highlighted at the World Governments Summit how science-based policies have revitalized the emirate's coastline. She emphasized that coastal ecosystems, under immense pressure from climate change and human activity, can recover.
Abu Dhabi's efforts are exemplified by its fisheries, which have rebounded significantly. Once at 8% exploitation seven years ago, stocks are projected to reach 100% by the end of 2025 due to stringent regulation and enforcement. Leadership support and data-informed decisions were crucial.
Further demonstrating this commitment, Abu Dhabi has planted 50 million mangrove saplings in the past five years, with a target of 100 million by 2030. The region is also engaged in large-scale coral reef rehabilitation and marine research to understand climate impacts.
