In line with the Year of Sustainability and the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has partnered with TotalEnergies to launch a program focused on the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. The goal is to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary-general of EAD, and Samir Oumer, president of TotalEnergies EP United Arab Emirates and TotalEnergies country chair in the UAE.
Scope of collaboration
As part of this collaboration, EAD and TotalEnergies will research, monitor, and evaluate Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystems. They will then develop guidelines, methodology, and cost-benefit options for restoring these habitats. Moreover, the project will utilize innovative technology and state-of-the-art restoration solutions, including ROOT – three-dimensional models that mimic the root system of mangrove trees. In addition, these models aim to play a role similar to mangrove roots in mitigating currents, resisting wave action, and reducing beach erosion. In addition to attracting invertebrates and fish, the models will enhance the marine environment’s biodiversity. Drones and other technological advancements will be used to improve the restoration’s success rates.
Global impact and reporting
The outcomes and achievements of this study will be reported as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life under Water. The importance of restoration for climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and socio-economic benefits will be highlighted, and the results will be shared globally to help EAD and TotalEnergies stand out in the international environmental community.
Engaging stakeholders and the future generation
Under this initiative, EAD will involve key stakeholders, including its network of schools from the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), to increase understanding of the importance of preserving coastal habitats and restoring Blue Carbon ecosystems among students. This will further enhance their role as environmental leaders and advocates of the future.
Additionally, to ensure the project’s impact extends beyond the UAE, EAD and TotalEnergies will organize an international conference on restoration and showcase the project’s achievements in a documentary film.
Importance of coastal ecosystems
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, emphasized the importance of this program in enhancing the role of coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, seaweeds, and salt marshes, in mitigating climate change and sequestering carbon dioxide. These ecosystems also support environmental and human well-being, protect coasts, support biodiversity, and provide social and economic benefits. Preserving and restoring these ecosystems is crucial, as they are among the most threatened on Earth.
Developing restoration guidelines
Samir Oumer, President of TotalEnergies EP United Arab Emirates and TotalEnergies Country Chair in the UAE, stated that the project will assess the seasonal status and health of Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystems, analyze carbon sequestration rates, and develop restoration guidelines applicable to local and regional coastal (Blue Carbon) ecosystems.
Moreover, Oumer added, “This aligns with one of the foundation’s pillars, Climate, Coastal areas, and Ocean, and illustrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to protecting the environment in the host region.”
For more news on sustainability, click here.
