MOCCAE partners with Essa Al-Ghurair for National Carbon Sequestration Project

Collaboration On The National Carbon Sequestration Project

The signing ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Essa Abdullah Al Ghurair, Chairman of Essa Al-Ghurair Investment.

This MoU supports the UAE's Net Zero 2050 initiative and seeks to ensure a meaningful contribution from both parties towards the National Carbon Sequestration Project's objectives, which include increasing the goal of planting mangrove trees in the country to 100 million by 2030, it highlighted.

Minister of Climate Change and Environment, H.E. Mariam Almheiri, said, "The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment remains dedicated to cultivating collaboration with both the public and private sectors within the country as part of its mission to address climate issues and achieve climate neutrality by 2050—which is a strategic priority for the UAE.

"The Ministry aims to implement sustainability-focused solutions to enhance efforts in reducing and offsetting emissions, thereby contributing more significantly to climate neutrality and reinforcing initiatives to protect environmental systems and biodiversity."

Her Excellency added: "We are delighted to collaborate with Essa Al-Ghurair Investment, which reflects the private sector's contribution to our pursuit of creating a sustainable future in the UAE.

"This collaboration is an excellent example of the concerted efforts of all entities in the country, utilising innovative tools and solutions to confront climate challenges and protect the environment."

As per the MoU, the MOCCAE will offer technical guidance on all aspects of mangrove tree planting, including conducting soil and water studies at the planting site and providing any relevant information or documentation to improve the study level.

His Excellency  Essa Abdullah Al Ghurair, Chairman of Essa Al-Ghurair Investment, said, "This initiative signifies the beginning of our journey of giving back to the UAE's environment."

"We will start by planting mangrove trees at a specific location chosen by both the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and us, and then expand to other areas. We hope this endeavour creates opportunities for various segments of society, including school students, residents, tourists, and others.

"Our goal is to educate future generations about the significance of mangrove trees and safeguard the UAE's environmental wealth."

To realise the MoU's objectives, EGI’s management will support the initiative by planting 500,000 to 1 million mangrove tree seeds and seedlings over the next decade, according to the report.

To achieve this ambitious target for the UAE by 2030, the MOCCAE is working with its partners within an integrated system to implement the National Carbon Sequestration Project's activities, working alongside public and private sector institutions and international non-governmental organizations.

Mangrove trees are highly effective in absorbing and storing carbon.

According to the report, numerous scientific studies and research indicate the immense capacity of mangrove trees to absorb and sequester carbon, reaching 4–5 times the amount sequestered by terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, mangroves serve as a safe, natural habitat for marine biodiversity.

The National Carbon Sequestration Project roadmap features four key steps: evaluating potential sites for planting mangroves; cultivating mangrove seeds and saplings; implementing a programme for planting seeds and saplings at chosen locations; and monitoring and measuring planted mangroves and their carbon sequestration rates.

Mangrove trees excel in capturing and storing carbon, with numerous scientific studies highlighting their remarkable ability to absorb and sequester carbon at a rate up to 4–5 times greater than terrestrial ecosystems.

Furthermore, mangroves provide a safe and natural habitat for diverse marine life, with 80% of the world's fish populations depending on healthy mangrove ecosystems, concluded the report.