{
  "id": 2524521,
  "title": "UAE reaches 51% of target to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/uae-reaches-51-of-target-to-plant-100-million-mangrove-trees-by-2030",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T06:55:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/uae-reaches-51-of-target-to-plant-100-million-mangrove-trees-by-2030-1.500648706"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has completed over half of its goal to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, according to Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Aquatic Life Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This achievement was reported by Al Bayan newspaper. Al Shehhi emphasized that marine conservation now involves not only protecting existing natural resources but also restoring damaged ecosystems to enhance their resilience against climate change and ensure long-term sustainability. The UAE had previously increased its 2030 mangrove target from 30 million to 100 million trees, reflecting the growing importance of these coastal ecosystems. These forests provide critical breeding and nursery grounds for fish and marine species, supporting coastal protection, biodiversity, and food security. Currently, marine and coastal protected areas cover about 12% of the UAE's marine and coastal regions. The UAE has 16 protected areas, with plans to expand marine protected areas to 30% by 2030, aligning with the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031. An artificial cave programme, launched in 2016, has deployed over 22,982 environmentally friendly artificial habitats to support marine life and rehabilitate damaged environments. Additionally, Abu Dhabi is spearheading coral reef restoration efforts, aiming to plant 1.5 million coral colonies over five years. This initiative, along with other restoration projects, reflects a broader shift towards habitat restoration and regeneration. The ministry also collaborates with fishermen, recognizing their crucial role as \"eyes of the environment at sea\" in monitoring environmental changes and informing fishing regulations. Furthermore, aquaculture is becoming a key component of the UAE's food security strategy, with the country's sector producing 2,572 tonnes annually through 18 marine aquaculture farms. Lastly, the UAE is promoting regional cooperation in marine conservation, recognizing that these ecosystems extend beyond national borders and require coordinated approaches for effective management.",
  "summary": "The UAE has completed more than half of an ambitious programme to plant 100 million mangrove trees by the end of the decade, as it expands efforts to restore marine habitats, protect coastlines and strengthen biodiversity. The country has reached 51 per cent of its national mangrove planting target, Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Biodiversity and Aquatic Life Sector at the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}