UAE-Philippines Joint Mangrove Planting Initiative
To commemorate 50 years of UAE-Philippines bilateral relations and align with the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Philippine Embassy planted 50 mangrove seedlings at Jubail Mangrove Park. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and is part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI).
Key Attendees and Park Tour
Key attendees included Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Alfonso Ver; Ahmed Al Hashemi, EAD’s Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity; and Eng Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, General Manager of Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC). Participants toured the park, learning about its ecological significance and the importance of preserving marine and coastal ecosystems.
Significance of Mangrove Planting
Ahmed Al Hashemi highlighted the symbolic nature of mangrove planting, emphasizing mangroves’ roles in carbon dioxide absorption, biodiversity support, and coastal protection, while stressing the value of international collaboration in environmental stewardship. Ambassador Ver underscored the link between natural resources, climate change, and resource protection, reaffirming the Philippines’ dedication to environmental preservation and its strong bond with the UAE. Eng Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi noted Jubail Mangrove Park’s role in conservation, drawing parallels between the resilience of mangroves and the robust UAE-Philippines partnership.
Enduring Collaboration for Planetary Protection
The initiative exemplifies the enduring collaboration between the two nations and their joint efforts toward planetary protection.
