The United Arab Emirates is making significant strides in its commitment to environmental conservation, particularly in the realm of marine ecosystems. According to Hiba Abid Al Shahi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, protecting the marine environment has evolved beyond merely preserving existing resources. The focus now encompasses rehabilitating damaged systems, enhancing resilience to climate change, and ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Progress on Mangrove Initiatives
Al Shahi emphasised that the UAE is on track to achieve its national target of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, having already fulfilled 51% of this goal. She stated that the increase in the target from 30 million to 100 million mangroves highlights the growing importance the nation places on these vital ecosystems.
Mangrove forests play a crucial role in supporting marine health, offering essential habitats for the breeding and growth of numerous fish species and marine organisms. This expansion in mangrove planting is viewed as a holistic investment in coastal protection, biodiversity, and food security.
Protected Areas and Biodiversity
Al Shahi noted that protected areas are essential to biodiversity conservation efforts, with current figures indicating that protected marine and coastal regions cover approximately 12% of the UAE’s territory. Authorities are actively assessing the effectiveness of these areas, exploring opportunities for expansion and improved management. The UAE is home to 16 protected areas, with ambitious plans to increase the proportion of protected marine areas to 30% by 2030, in alignment with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031.
Artificial Reef Programme
The ministry is also advancing its artificial reef programme, launched in 2016, which aims to create marine habitats conducive to fish breeding and growth. This initiative seeks to rehabilitate damaged marine areas and bolster fish stocks, thereby ensuring the sustainability of fishing practices. Al Shahi explained that the programme involves deploying environmentally friendly artificial reefs on the ocean floor, which over time will evolve into nurturing habitats for juvenile fish and marine organisms.
Recent expansions of the artificial reef programme indicate a significant investment in the environment, with plans to deploy nearly 22,982 artificial reefs by the end of 2025 across various emirates, including Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Ajman.
Coral Reef Restoration Efforts
Coral reefs are another vital component of marine ecosystems, serving as habitats and nurseries for various fish and marine species. The ministry has undertaken a research project to cultivate 24 types of coral along the UAE’s coasts and has mapped 210 coral reef locations, documenting over 55 species of hard coral. Collaborative initiatives, such as the Fujairah Coral Gardens project, aim to plant 1.5 million coral colonies in five years across more than 300,000 square metres, marking it as one of the largest coral garden projects in the nation.
Since 2018, efforts have included the transplantation of approximately 66,173 coral fragments over 22,827 square metres, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to restoring damaged habitats and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
The Role of Fishermen in Marine Conservation
Al Shahi highlighted the essential role of fishermen as “the eyes of the sea,” given their constant presence in marine environments and their ability to observe changes. The expertise of local fishermen adds value to scientific knowledge and ongoing studies, with traditional fishing narratives forming part of the environmental understanding in the country. The ministry prioritises incorporating fishermen’s insights through meetings with fishing associations and cooperative unions, addressing fishing regulations, breeding seasons, and operational challenges faced by the profession.
Balancing the protection of fish stocks with the sustainability of fishing practices is crucial for managing living water resources. Regulatory decisions are rooted in scientific studies and assessments of fish stocks and breeding seasons.
Collaborative Gulf Efforts
Al Shahi underscored the importance of Gulf cooperation in safeguarding marine environments and fish stocks, acknowledging the interconnected ecological system of the Arabian Gulf. The UAE actively participates in regional committees focused on environmental and fishery collaboration, driving unified efforts to protect species and regulate fishing during breeding seasons.
Furthermore, fishermen’s communities are pivotal links between government entities and the fishing industry, facilitating direct feedback on the challenges faced in the field.
Aquaculture as a Strategic Sector
Al Shahi concluded by noting that aquaculture represents a promising and strategic sector for enhancing food security and diversifying fish production sources. Data reveals that the production capacity for aquaculture in the UAE is 2,572 tonnes, with 18 registered marine farms distributed across the nation.