Keeping Abreast with Climate Change Issues TRENDS Center Releases a study in Arabic and English, on the role of mangroves in adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects

TRENDS Research and Advisory has released a new study in Arabic and English entitled "Mangroves and their role in adaptation and mitigation of climate Change effects". The study was issued in line with TRENDS efforts to address climate change issues. It coincides with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. The study covers the role of blue carbon and the benefits of mangrove trees in reducing the risks of climate change. It also addresses the benefits of mangroves in the field of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation and the risks facing these valuable trees. The study reviewed the mangroves forests initiatives around the world. The trees are locally known in the UAE as as Gurm. Finally, the study reviews Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC).

This study was conducted by Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). The study proved the UAE's keenness to benefit from nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced an important step to enhance blue carbon ecosystems, and employing nature-based solutions to confront climate change. The Ministry has launched an initiative to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, making it one of the world's largest carbon sequestration initiatives.

The study indicated that some countries have launched various programs to preserve and rehabilitate mangroves, with the aim of ensuring the sustainability of these forests. This is because of their pivotal role in the field of preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Some countries have developed plans and policies to protect the sustainably of mangrove forests. The study said that these efforts include mangrove conservation in protected areas, reforestation projects and sustainable usage practices. We have to consider here that conservation and reforestation of mangroves can be difficult, as these hardy trees’ ecosystems are very complex. 

The study explained that Human pressures and climate change have caused biodiversity degradation and unprecedented losses, at rates never seen before. Climate change has altered ecosystems in marine and onshore areas, as well as in fresh water. The adverse change has caused loss of native species, led to increased diseases and mass mortality of fauna and flora.

The study indicated that due to the importance of the topic, climate change activities have been included in the programs of The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This Convention agreed that there are important opportunities to mitigate and adapt to climate change, while promoting biodiversity conservation.

The study stressed that it is possible to reduce the effects of climate change and mitigate the threat to ecosystems through climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, based on commitment to biodiversity.

The study noted that mitigation is defined as human intervention to prevent or reduce emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere and promote carbon capture. It includes any measure, activity or mechanism that removes greenhouse gas and make the impacts of climate change less severe. Examples of activities that promote climate change mitigation or adaptation include the conservation and restoration of local ecosystems and the enhancement of ecosystem services. They also include, the management of habitats of endangered species, the establishment of nature reserves on land and freshwater bodies and in the seas, taking into consideration the potential climate changes.

The study concluded that the expansion of mangrove cultivation is one of the most important nature-based solutions and initiatives in addressing environmental challenges. It helps in absorbing and sequestering greenhouse gas emissions globally, due to the ability of mangroves to absorb carbon by up to four times of what other tropical forests can do.