ABU DHABI, 25 APR 2025

As part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), and in line with the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), with the support of ADNOC, hosted Mangrove Week 2025, which took place from 21-25 April. This event united government representatives, environmental professionals, academics and the public to spotlight the vital importance of mangrove ecosystems and the leading role Abu Dhabi plays in their conservation and restoration.

Mangrove Week 2025 served as a dynamic platform to raise awareness about the value of mangrove ecosystems and their essential role in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. The event highlighted Abu Dhabi’s pioneering efforts in the restoration and protection of mangroves, including its development of scientific tools and practical guidelines that are now informing regional conservation strategies. 

A major feature of the week was the global IUCN Red List assessment for more than 70 species of mangrove plants – marking the first comprehensive review since 2007. This initiative played a crucial role in advancing scientific understanding and supporting global mangrove conservation. In addition, the event was valuable for building regional capacity. 

A Regional Training Workshop on Mangrove Monitoring was another event which brought together national and regional professionals to strengthen technical capacity. By providing training and knowledge-sharing sessions for professionals across the Gulf who are working on mangrove restoration and monitoring, Mangrove Week 2025 contributed to long-term ecosystem health across the region. The training is the first step towards developing a network of regional expertise and knowledge around mangrove management, conservation and restoration. EAD, ZSL, the IUCN Mangrove specialist groups and partners will continue this effort for regional capacity building after the workshop with the development of the first Regional Mangrove Monitoring Manual for the Arabian Gulf Region. 

“Abu Dhabi is proud to be at the forefront of global efforts to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems,” said Ahmed Al Hashmi, the Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD. “Mangrove Week 2025 is a testament to our enduring commitment to mangrove conservation and community education and this week not only shines a light on the remarkable natural heritage of the UAE, but also brings together an exceptional community of scientists, practitioners, government representatives, and youth from across the region and the world. Through knowledge sharing, capacity building and pioneering research such as the global IUCN Red List assessment for mangrove species, we are creating practical pathways to climate resilience and nature conservation. Our efforts go beyond planting mangroves – we are cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship, rooted in science, strengthened by collaboration and driven by innovation.” 

Further celebrating the power of storytelling in conservation, EAD, in partnership with the Mangrove Action Project, announced the launch of two new categories in the Global Mangrove Photography Awards 2025. These extra categories – the Emirates Award, (UAE Category) and the Arabian Gulf Award (Regional Category) – will recognise and elevate local and regional talent, capturing the beauty and significance of mangrove ecosystems across the region. The event also featured a public re-exhibition of award-winning photographs from previous years hosted by Jubail Mangrove Park, inviting the community to connect visually with the environment.

Meanwhile, the community enjoyed guided kayaking trips through Jubail Mangrove Park, followed by awareness talks on mangrove ecosystems. Connect with Nature and Emirates Nature-WWF also led youth-led mangrove monitoring activities at Jubail encouraging environmental stewardship among the next generation. Seaworld also hosted a Mangrove Science Talk on April 24 where global mangrove experts and scientists from EAD talked about mangrove research and conservation locally and globally.  There were student and youth mangrove awareness and clean up events held in Mirfa in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination.  Mangrove Week 2025 was made possible through the support of key partners. As a founding partner of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) continues to play a vital role in advancing mangrove science and conservation. The IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, co-organiser of the global Red List workshop, highlighted the significance of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in global conservation. ADNOC sponsored expert accommodations and hosted the workshop at the Sheikh Khalifa Energy Complex. Community events were co-hosted by Jubail Mangrove Park, Seaworld, Emirates Nature-WWF, and the Abu Dhabi Pearls Center.