Abu Dhabi and ENGIE launches Phase II of the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project using drone technologies

Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, (EAD) in partnership with the global energy company ENGIE, today announced the launch of the second phase of the “Blue Carbon” Environmental and Social Responsibility project, during an event led by Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem al Dhaheri – Secretary General of EAD. After a successful pilot launch in 2020, the second phase of the project involves using highly innovative drone planting technology to sow mangrove seeds.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem al Dhaheri said: “Mangroves play a critical role in our fight against climate change. These carbon-rich forests that dot the coastline of Abu Dhabi are key to stabilizing our environment and preserving the natural habitat of several species. The Blue Carbon project is one of its kind in the region and I am delighted that it has advanced to Phase II, following its very successful pilot launch in 2020.  Rebuilding and restoring an ecosystem that resiliently protects our coast will support the sustenance of mankind while consequently combatting climate change.”

Hosted at the EAD Headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the event was attended by the Blue Carbon project team from EAD, ENGIE, and its partner, Distant Imagery, who are specialists in engineering drone solutions that are based on blue carbon restoration expertise. They have also designed and engineered drone rigging in the UAE.

All attendees collaborated and participated in making seedballs, which help protect the seeds when they are launched from the drone, as well as provide nutrients to ensure proper germination of the seeds when planted in the soil.

The project was initiated last year, in a very successful test pilot where approximately 2000 seeds were planted. Almost one year after the first planting, the success rate is estimated to be 25%, despite the volatile weather conditions of last year. Implementing the learnings from last year, supported by an advanced drop mechanism and methodology, this year, the project team expects a success rate of at least 35%. These are excellent results if compared to the typical mangrove survival rate in nature of 5%.

As part of the second phase of the project, plant seeding will take place earlier in the season, from early September, to ensure they are given an increased chance to stabilize and grow. There will also be a change in seeding time, to ensure seeds are captured with the highest chance of survival.

Ahmed Al Hashmi – Acting Executive Director for Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi said: “Restoring biodiversity and preserving vulnerable ecosystems is not a choice anymore but a necessity for the survival of humankind, in the wake of climate change. With this in mind, we are glad to be working with ENGIE on this project. To us, this project is a direct extension to The UAE’s National Blue Carbon Project and The Abu Dhabi Blue Carbon Demonstration Project that was launched in 2012, that focused on mapping the UAE’s carbon sinks extensions and capacities." 

Commenting on the project, Florence Fontani, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, ENGIE Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA), said: “Our partnership with EAD and Distant Imagery for this project sets an example to better engage to achieve carbon neutrality and address challenges in preserving coastal and marine ecosystems for human life. At ENGIE, we are honored to be part of this project and support the country’s goals towards conserving the rich environmental ecosystem for the generations to come.”

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About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)

Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater, and the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs, and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation, and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development, and ensure environmental issues remain one of our national agendas' top priorities.

About ENGIE

ENGIE has a presence of almost 30 years in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In the Middle East, it is the regional leading independent power & water producer with a gross capacity of 30 GW of power and 5.5 million m3/day of water production, serving over 40 million people daily with power and 10 million with potable water from desalination. ENGIE’s renewable portfolio exceeds 2,300 MW of power in India and Africa. In the Middle East, the Group is a regional leader in district cooling through Tabreed, in which it has a 40% stake, and which currently delivers over 1.4 million tons of cooling across 86 plants in the GCC. ENGIE is also a leading provider of Energy Solutions in the Gulf region and Morocco.

For more information: www.engiemiddleeast.com      

About ENGIE:

ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services with 2019 revenues of 64.1 billion euros and 170,000 employees. In the GCC, ENGIE is a long-term investor with a presence of over 20 years, which pioneered the regional Independent Water & Power business with the Manah project in Oman. ENGIE has a regional portfolio of 28.5 GW power and almost 1,300 MIGD water production. It is a leading provider of energy services in the Middle East via ENGIE Solutions, and of district cooling solutions via Tabreed, in which it has a 40% stake.

www.engie.com 

© Press Release 2021