Dubai Launches 40,000-Tree Mangrove Restoration Drive

The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) has launched a new mangrove planting initiative across Dubai’s protected sanctuaries, starting at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary. Over the next two years, the plan aims to plant 40,000 mangrove trees — marking one of the largest coastal-ecosystem restoration efforts in the country. Officials describe mangrove forests as “natural green forts” — vital for carbon absorption, enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing coastal zones, and supporting marine life vital for fisheries and coastal communities. The initiative aligns with national climate goals, including the target to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030 under the broader sustainability agenda. By combining habitat restoration with climate-change mitigation, the drive aims to reinforce ecosystem resilience while demonstrating that conservation and development can go hand in hand. The project underscores Dubai’s commitment to protecting natural resources, safeguarding biodiversity and delivering on environmental pledges for a sustainable future.