Marking the UAE’s 2nd Year of Sustainability, under the framework of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) and Abu Dhabi’s Climate Change Strategy, the world’s first edition of the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC), led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, (EAD), kicked off today in Abu Dhabi.

It brings together over 500 delegates, including scientists, policymakers, academics, researchers and environmental leaders, to address pressing global mangrove challenges and international best practices for mangrove restoration and conservation.

Among the distinguished keynote speakers were Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD and Dr. Andrew Terry, Director of Conservation and Policy at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

The conference aims to advance innovative strategies for mangrove restoration, drawing on cutting-edge science, innovative technology and international collaboration to combat the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. It also serves as a platform to share knowledge, explore best practices, and foster global partnerships to protect and restore one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.

In her keynote speech, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak said, “It is my great honour to open the world’s first International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference here in Abu Dhabi. As President of IUCN, I am deeply moved by the gathering of so many leaders, scientists, policymakers, businesses, and community representatives—all united by a shared commitment to preserving and restoring one of our planet's most vital ecosystems. This inaugural event is a testament to the visionary leadership of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in environmental stewardship.”

She added, “Mangroves, with their unmatched ability to store carbon, shield coastlines, and sustain biodiversity, are critical in addressing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Yet, they face unprecedented threats, with 50% of mangrove ecosystems at risk of collapse by 2050. This conference is not just a call to action but a celebration of the opportunities before us to reverse this trajectory. Through collective action and global initiatives like the Mangrove Breakthrough, supported by the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the Global Mangrove Alliance, we have the tools and partnerships to secure a sustainable future for mangroves.”

She concluded, “Today, as we convene experts and stakeholders from around the world, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of mangroves themselves. These ecosystems remind us of the strength that lies in unity and interconnectedness. By protecting, restoring, and investing in mangroves, we can create a lasting legacy for future generations and ensure that these extraordinary ecosystems continue to support life on Earth. Together, we can secure a sustainable future for all.”

In her opening remarks, Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri emphasised the significance of the conference: “Hosting this event during the UAE’s second ‘Year of Sustainability’ underscores our collective responsibility towards a sustainable future. Mangroves are nature’s fortress and our unsung heroes – from carbon sinks to protectors of coastlines and havens of biodiversity. Yet, nearly 50 percent of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk due to human activity. This conference provides an ideal platform to tackle these challenges through international collaboration.”

Highlighting Abu Dhabi’s pioneering efforts, she added, “Here in Abu Dhabi, we have long recognised the importance of protecting and restoring our biodiversity. Our mapping study revealed that mangrove cover in Abu Dhabi Emirate has increased from over 9,100 hectares in 1987 to 17,600 hectares by 2020. These efforts, along with our Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, underscore our commitment to deploying science-based and innovative approaches to restoration.”

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri paid tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the nation’s environmental stewardship. “This conference is a tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and his vision of inclusivity- a vision that focused not only on nation-building but also on nature-building,” she noted. “By nurturing our ecosystems and healing our planet, we can leave our own legacies for future generations.”

Dr. Andrew Terry, Director of Conservation and Policy at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), highlighted, “Mangroves, and other key coastal habitats, are natural superheroes, performing vital functions for people and wildlife alike. Over the last decade, we have witnessed a massive increase in interest in supporting mangrove recovery, particularly from the private sector and through inter-governmental processes. We need to make sure that these efforts are evidence-led and locally equitable. Zoological Society of London is incredibly proud to have been a founding partner of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and a co-organiser of this incredibly important conference. Our commitment is to contribute all our experience of over 30 years of mangrove conservation to support the sharing of best practices and knowledge to drive up the recovery of these vital habitats.”

The conference also explores lessons from global mangrove restoration projects and key challenges. Through discussions and expert panels, delegates aim to identify pathways to achieve more sustainable and impactful restoration outcomes.

On the opening day a session was held on “Achieving High-Integrity Mangrove Restoration for Nature, Climate, and People,” which preceded a dynamic panel discussion addressing critical questions such as the role of technology and AI in restoration, the role of different stakeholders in restoration programmes, the question of carbon credits from restoration activities, and the importance of community involvement.